Intergenerational — GrandPals
GrandPals is an intergenerational volunteer program through the Center for Modern Aging Princeton that pairs older adults with elementary school students for weekly reading sessions. No teaching experience is needed—just your time, your presence, and your love of stories.
GrandPals: Where Generations Connect, One Story at a Time
GrandPals is built on a simple but powerful idea: meaningful relationships grow when generations spend time together. Through weekly thirty-minute reading sessions, volunteers help children strengthen literacy skills, build confidence, and discover the joy of books. In return, GrandPals often find renewed purpose, connection, and delight in sharing stories—both on the page and from life.
House 3: A Community of Joy and Belonging Join House 3 if you're in Princeton or nearby and looking for a vibrant, caring community. We offer a wide range of activities to suit all interests. Enjoy social gatherings like monthly meet-ups, holiday parties, summer picnics, engaging speakers, and celebrating milestones. For more intimate group activities, join us for nature walks, Scrabble, movies, book clubs, museum visits, happy hours, and gourmet lunches. Plus, don't miss our special Resource List, informational Bulletins, and our semi-annual Journal featuring articles, poetry, and more from our talented members. Embrace friendship and joy with us! “Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.” (Helen Keller)
House 4: A Melting Pot of Interests and Backgrounds House 4 welcomes you with warmth, comprising individuals from diverse backgrounds. Our monthly meetings, typically held at CMAP Poor Farm Road or Smith House Clubhouse, feature speakers, entertainment galas, picnics, and holiday celebrations. Socializing and snacking are always part of the fun. Join our active interest groups like Movie Groups, Social Bridge, or propose new ones like pool, gardening, or lunch dining out. We're also reviving groups affected by the pandemic. Our members hail from Princeton, Plainsboro, Skillman, Lawrenceville, Pennington, Roosevelt, Kendall Park, Princeton Junction, East/West Windsor, and other nearby areas, creating a rich tapestry of community life.
House 5: A Blend of Culture, Socializing, and Learning House 5 offers a mix of cultural presentations, green space preservation talks, musical performances, and social events. Meeting on the second Sunday of each month at the Suzanne Patterson Building, our gatherings start with announcements, introductions, and a featured program, followed by a social time with delicious snacks. Our active interest groups include Ethnic Dining, Movie Group, Storytelling, and Crafters. We often explore gardening, cooking, wine tasting, and personal stories. Our members bring together diverse experiences from Titusville, Ewing, Yardley, Pennington, Kendall Park, Hopewell, Monroe, Dayton, and beyond.
Where Reading Builds Relationships
GrandPals is built on a simple but powerful idea: meaningful relationships grow when generations spend time together. Through weekly thirty-minute reading sessions, volunteers help children strengthen literacy skills, build confidence, and discover the joy of books. In return, GrandPals often find renewed purpose, connection, and delight in sharing stories—both on the page and from life.
As a GrandPal, you will:
- read weekly with one or two children,
- share stories and conversation, and
- make a lasting impact through consistent, caring presence.
The impact reaches far beyond the classroom. Children gain individual attention and encouragement, while volunteers experience the reward of giving back in a tangible, personal way. The program fosters empathy, understanding, and a sense of belonging for everyone involved.
No teaching experience is required, and training and ongoing support are provided. Volunteers range in age from their late forties through their nineties and come from all walks of life—united by a desire to connect and contribute.
Whether you are a lifelong reader, a former educator, or simply someone who enjoys working with children, GrandPals offers a meaningful way to make a difference—one story at a time.
