YOUNGSTOWN - There's a new initiative in the Valley to bring young and older folks together called the "Intergenerational Center."

Youngstown State University and Ohio Living Center collaborated to launch this and the collaboration is aimed to promote interactions between older and younger generations that foster intellectual, physical and social development for everyone.

YSU hosted a launch event Monday to gather people and brainstorm program and activity ideas. 

"The second main goal that we have is to get students to see the value of working with older adults and reduce their ageist attitudes and pursue a career so we have career services here we have the office of career exploration and development here," Associate Professor of Gerontology, Tiffany Hughes said.

The center will be a destination for older members to participate in activities and engage with students, ranging from community service, mentoring, experiential learning and workforce development to clubs and social events.

"It can be anything from the writing classes getting involved in helping people write their biographies at the library to the technical classes, coming down and teaching tech-savvy seniors and helping them work their smart phones and their iPods to things like arts, drawing classes," Executive Director of Ohio Living Center, Sarah Hadley said, "We just know that that interaction between the different ages is absolutely important helps us stay young at heart and there are tons that we can learn from each other." 

The center is located First Presbyterian Church on Wick Avenue. If you would like to get involved or volunteer, call 330-533-4350.