Last year, Judson at University Circle tried something radically different. The nonprofit senior living campus gave two apartments to Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM) students in exchange for their participation in Judson's intergenerational programs. 

The students quickly found that any time they practiced their instruments in public, they attracted an appreciative audience. Over the course of a year, they developed friendships that spanned generations.

Now one of Judson's intergenerational programs, Community Partners, has been nominated as one of 20 semi-finalists for the prestigious Eisner Prize for Intergenerational Excellence, a $100,000 grant from the California-based Eisner Foundation.

The Eisner Prize will recognize an individual or a non-profit organization that "excels in uniting multiple generations, especially seniors and youth, to bring about positive and lasting changes in their community," according to a press release. Members of the pulbic can cast their vote by visiting the website.

Judson created its first intergenerational collaboration with Ruffing Montessori School in Cleveland Heights 30 years ago. Today, Judson works with over 40 different educational and civic groups throughout Greater Cleveland. Judson's senior residents volunteer in local schools and communities, and in turn, students and adults volunteer at all three Judson facilities, Judson Manor, Judson Park and South Franklin Circle.

"Judson's intergenerational programs offer purposeful two-way learning opportunities that create meaningful relationships for all program participants," said Rob Lucarelli, Judson's Director of Communications, in a press release. "Using curriculum and arts-based programs that serve as a national model for connecting generations, we help to enrich lives and stimulate minds of all ages."

Individuals may vote for Judson once every 24 hours until May 15th.

Source: Rob Lucarelli
Writer: Lee Chilcote