Bridging the Generation Gap: West Chester University Brings TAG to Barclay Friends

Traveling Across Generations, affectionately called the TAG program, is a buddy program which pairs West Chester University students with elder residents of Barclay Friends. Each student builds a friendship with his or her buddy through weekly visits, spending time talking, playing games, or doing other fun activities to get to know each other. Students spend an hour a week with their friend, and all students and friends participate together in once-a-month social activities.

The goal of WCU's program is to break down barriers between the generations so that participants can benefit from the new friendships formed. Organizers hope that after just a few weeks of involvement with TAG, students will note a new confidence and comfort level interacting with older people. Organizers also anticipate that this experience will have a long-term impact on the students' college years. WCU faculty overseeing the program are Rebecca Kurth, PPD, Tet George, Communications, and Jennifer Jones, Nursing. The program counts for volunteer hours and provides valuable experience for many majors at WCU.