Program Focus
Intergenerational In All That We Do
At the Gaithersburg Beloved Community Initiative (GBCI), we believe that communities thrive when different generations learn from and support one another. Our programs bring children, youth, parents and older adults together to share experiences, develop skills and build relationships. From early childhood learning to high school mentoring, from English conversation to community action, every program reflects our intergenerational vision of a Beloved Community.
Our Programs
Early Steps: Pre-K Discovery
A bilingual program where parents and children (ages 0-5) learn together through stories, songs, art and discovery. This program lays a strong foundation for school success while empowering parents as their child’s first teacher.
English Conversation Learning
Adult English learners meet weekly with volunteers in small groups to practice fluency, share resources, and build community. The program fosters language skills, cultural exchange, and lasting friendships.
Elementary Mentoring
Volunteers work one-on-one and in small groups with 1st - 3rd graders to build literacy, confidence and social/emotional wellbeing. This program has been a cornerstone of GBCI’s work for over a decade.
Neighborhood Action
Volunteers and partners work alongside residents to strengthen local communities. Efforts include food distribution, refugee resettlement, tenant leadership at housing complexes, school advocacy, and civic engagement on local issues.
Elementary and Middle School Art Mentoring
Students and volunteers collaborate on art projects that foster creativity, dialogue, and intergenerational friendships. The art-making process encourages confidence, reflection, and personal growth.
Intergenerational Book Group
High School students and older adults come together to read and discuss books, gaining insight and perspective, while forging friendships. This program is a partnership with Gaithersburg Library, Asbury Methodist Village and Link Generations.
High School Mentoring
Older adults and HS students engage in conversations about overcoming challenges and building resilience. A shared understanding of strategies needed to weather life’s transitions is gained.
Monthly Meetings
Open gatherings on the third Friday of each month where residents and community members come together to learn from guest speakers and discuss issues such as immigration, housing, education, and community safety.
Through these programs, the benefits flow in both directions - children gain skills and confidence, older adults find renewed purpose, and together we build a stronger more connected Beloved Community.
Older Adults
Children