Our Solution:
The Plymouth Intergenerational Center …
To meet the Sheboygan County-wide need for expanded senior and child care facilities through development of the new Plymouth Intergenerational Center
The Plymouth Intergenerational Center will include the following major components:
Ø A child care center for approximately 100 children, and planned collaboration with Head Start and Plymouth School District 4K
Ø A senior center with activity areas, a meal program, office and green space
Ø A family resource center, serving the ever-changing needs of families
Ø Multi-purpose activity areas, computer lab, dining/kitchen facilities, and a common reception/lobby area serving a multitude of community needs
Ø A wellness model, with an exercise area and plans for classes and immunization clinics on site
Ø Availability as a community center, with large meeting and activity rooms that the Plymouth/Sheboygan area can utilize for business or community group activities, meetings, continuing education, and events
The creation of this new Plymouth Intergenerational Center will assure that we:
Ø Prevent losing 99 precious child day care slots and accommodate additional children
Ø Provide adequate space for a rapidly growing senior population needing senior services
Ø Afford operational efficiencies through one building, common areas, and shared services
Ø Enhance the lives of all generations through intergenerational programming and comprehensive family resources
Because the elderly and children need similar kinds of services, providing for the needs of both groups in one facility will create economic efficiencies and a sustainable enterprise.
A location has been secured for the new Plymouth Intergenerational Center.
Criteria for Providers
In its planning stages, the Plymouth Intergenerational Coalition established essential criteria for both the child care and senior center providers that would need to collaborate within the new Intergenerational Center.
Criteria for Child Care Provider:
Ø Capacity to serve approximately 100 children
Ø Full-time and part-time rates available
Ø Family rates available
Ø Ability to work with subsidy programs for low-income families
Ø Licensed by the State
Ø Nationally accredited
Ø Provides care for infants and children 6 weeks to 12 years of age
After careful review, Here We Grow Child Care was selected to be the child care provider.
Criteria for Senior Center Provider:
Ø Ability to serve approximately 150-200 seniors on a daily basis
Ø Ability to provide noon meal ("Food and Fellowship") or other food service
Ø Provide programs to meet the needs of seniors in the following areas: Social, Recreational, Educational, Skills-sharing, and Personal Enrichment
Ø Ability to offer programs of interest to the "young-old" (65-75), the "old" (75-85) and the "old-old" (85+) populations
Ø Ability to partner with a child care provider and local schools to develop and provide intergenerational activities
Ø Ability to provide an avenue for seniors to share their histories and skills as desired with peers and youth
Ø Ability to provide volunteer opportunities for seniors as well as community members regardless of age.
Based on the above criteria, the Plymouth Senior Center was clearly identified to be the preferred provider.