IMHope is a social enterprise dedicated to addressing the lack of opportunities for seniors to engage in meaningful ways with members of their community. IMHope delivers high quality, evidence-based, intergenerational music programs to seniors living in community care facilities, including long-term care homes, retirement homes, and adult day programs. We are the only intergenerational music program partnered with and endorsed by the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board; our evidenced-based programs are designed to have positive effects on all participants, including children and youth. The IMHope team has clinical and applicable qualifications needed to provide the most impactful programming. Most notably, we are able to specifically design musical sessions in order to have positive effects on program participants at the neurological level. IMHope engages with many groups in the community: elementary students, high school musicians, McMaster University students, community volunteers, City of Hamilton stakeholders, and of course, older adults. Together, these partners form a cohesive network that increases the connectedness within Hamilton communities. IMHope programming empowers each group in a unique way and gives them the opportunity to interact, all while sharing their mutual love for music. As our population ages, it will become increasingly important to bridge intergenerational gaps, in order to create a cohesive society where elders are respected and youth remain engaged in their community.
