EngAGE - Social Engagement Support Services

Group	Community And Other Support Services
Category	Social Engagement Support Services
Name	EngAGE
Provider	Engage Northwest

Description

EngAGE Northwest changes lives by transforming affordable housing communities into vibrant centers of learning, wellness, and creativity. EngAGE Northwest takes a whole-person approach to creative, healthy living by providing high quality arts, wellness, and lifelong learning programs to residents of all ages in affordable housing communities. Classes are professionally led and complemented by community-building activities and celebrations as well as intergenerational connections. Programs are provided on-site and are open to all residents at no charge, reducing two primary barriers to engagement – cost and transportation – and maximizing our impact. EngAGE serves thousands of residents of all ages.

EngAGE helped create the Community For All Ages model in affordable housing through our long collaboration with Community Development Partners (CDP) . Community for All Ages (CFAA) seeks to create neighborhood in its purest form, organically connecting generations through creative arts, lifelong learning, programs to improve the well-being of residents of all ages, and intentionally designed community spaces to catalyze connection. Residents become integral members of their community and can find meaningful ways to contribute their unique gifts and talents to it. CFAA creates an inclusive environment in which all people are appreciated, respected, and encouraged to grow.

EngAGE has developed a framework for co-creating intentionally designed and programmed affordable housing to address this country’s epidemic of loneliness by creating beneficial social connections and a strong sense of belonging for their residents and partners in all communities they serve. They achieve this by:

• providing professionally delivered, free, on-site programs in well-being, the arts, lifelong learning, and community building
• creating connections across generations
• encouraging residents to contribute to their communities in meaningful ways
• building strong collaborations with local community partners to expand our impact in each neighborhood

EngAGE programs include:

1. Across the Generation Research shows the importance of continued learning and skill development across all ages and stages of life. EngAGE utilizes a comprehensive approach of college-level, semester-based classes, as well as informal learning experiences, creative opportunities, and programming based on the unique interests of each community. With a focus on storytelling, the arts, gardening, food, and social connection, they create opportunities for intergenerational exchange and understanding. Older adults can support and learn alongside youth, and the perspectives and talents of young people are valued and cultivated. Classes and Program include: Collaborative Art Projects, Cooking, Computers & Technology, Current Events, Dance, Gardening, History Programs, Social Media, Storytelling.
2. Creativity EngAGE believes that people of all ages, regardless of previous exposure to the arts, can develop an appreciation for art and become practicing artists. They eliminate barriers by providing accessible, multidisciplinary arts programs ranging from music and dance to writing, acting, and painting on site at no charge. To showcase and celebrate participants’ achievements, classes have culminating events such as art exhibits and performances which are open to friends, family, and neighbors. Classes & Programs include: Creative Writing (fiction, plays, films, poetry), Living History Performance, Storytelling, Acting, Filmmaking, Visual Arts (drawing, painting, mixed media, ceramics, photography), Art Exhibits, Music & Film appreciation, Needle Crafts, Jewelry-making, Printmaking, Drumming, Cultural Excursions, Culinary Arts.
3. Wellness EngAGE’s wellness programs offer residents an accessible and supportive way to make healthy lifestyle choices plus a social network that makes it fun and boosts accountability. To support access to healthy food, they offer food pantries, community gardens, and nutrition and cooking classes. To help support an active lifestyle, they offer an array of cardio exercise, strength training, adapted yoga and Pilates, and tai chi, among other classes. Classes & Programs include: Tai Chi, Yoga, Meditation, Adapted Pilates, Dance Exercise, Strength Training, Flexibility and Balance, Nutrition & Healthy Cooking, Healthy Lifestyle, Wellness Fairs, Falls Prevention, Gardening (food and flowers), Stress Reduction, Learned Optimism, Grief Groups, Managing Depression.
4. Lifelong Learning Through classes, interest groups, and special events, EngAGE program participants have opportunities to learn about everything from financial literacy and scam prevention to the latest technology, all in a supportive environment. Classes & Programs include: Computers & Technology, Social Media, Current Events & Lectures, Successful Aging & Disease Management Support, Genealogy, Book Club, Financial Literacy, Horticulture, Discussion Groups.
5. Creating Community The EngAGE mission is to empower people intellectually, creatively, and emotionally by delivering life-enhancing programming tailored to the unique interests of the communities they serve. Their programs not only encourage personal growth, they also provide participants with opportunities to feel a sense of belonging, to meet neighbors and develop friendships through shared experiences. This is how they create community for all ages.

Classes & Programs include: Coffee and Conversation Hours, Holiday and Birthday Celebrations, Special Events Featuring Live Entertainment, Art Show Openings, Visits to Museums and Other Local Attractions.

EngAGE offers their classes and programs at multiple low-income housing locations throughout Portland: https://www.engagenw.org/where-we-work