Buddy Program
Buddy Program Coordinator
Tony Phillips
Phone: 414-294-4668
E-mail: tphillips@stanncenter.org
Unifying Generations in an effort of mutual understanding and tolerance.
What is the Buddy Program?
The Service Learning Buddy Program pairs youth ages 11-16 with clients of St. Ann Center and other surrounding adult centers.
The program empowers the youth in decision-making roles and encourages them to plan and carry out activities for the center’s clients.
Both adults and youth interact as equals helping to increase self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment among the program participants.
It is a creative challenge for the buddies to learn to work with those they perceive as different from themselves, learning wisdom from experience with elders.
The program is designed to further the St. Ann mission of providing service to the under served in our community and breaking down barriers between generations by bringing together marginalized groups of adults and children.
The youth learn from the wisdom and experience of their elders.
Trends in the Milwaukee Public School System
In 2006,
Graduation rate was 45% of those enrolled.
40% of incoming 9th graders won’t graduate.
Middle-school suspension rate is at 25.5%.
The Buddy Program is designed to:
- Provide Youth with a positive learning experience where they learn to appreciate those perceived different.
- Help participants learn that they can make a difference in the life of another person.
- Teach skills necessary to secure and maintain a job.
- Develop and enhance self-esteem by learning new skills.
Youth centered activities:
- Assistance with lunch and snack time
- Reading stories / newspaper
- Playing games / creating art projects
- Sharing life stories & experiences
- Peace making circles & spiritual formation
- Social skill development
St. Ann Center
for Intergenerational Care
would like to thank our funding supporters:
Forest County Potawatomi Community Foundation
Christina Stewardship Fund
Kelben Foundation
Co-sponsored by:
Milwaukee County
Department on Aging
Milwaukee County commission on Aging Intergenerational Council
Inter-faith O.A.P.
ARC Milwaukee
Silver Spring Health & Rehab Center
Wisconsin Intergenerational Network