How It Works

What happens when you pair older adults with children?
In short, Magic!!

The bond between younger and older generations has always been mutually beneficial, enriching both groups in different ways. When we close the generational gap, society as a whole reaps the rewards.

For children, strong relationships with older adults can lead to better social skills, a sense of stability, and greater academic successβ€”helping them navigate life’s challenges while avoiding harmful influences. At the same time, grandparents and older mentors often experience improved health, reduced loneliness, and more social engagement.

Older generations provide wisdom, guidance, and a glimpse into the future, helping younger ones build meaningful lives. In return, younger individuals bring energy and fresh perspectives, encouraging older adults to step outside their routines and embrace new experiences. These relationships create a beautiful cycle of love, care, and supportβ€”one that strengthens families and communities alike.

4 Goals of Hands 4Life:

4Impact Pillars of Sustainability achieved through our 4Goals

We focus on helping one community at a time, working to restore and protect vulnerable older adults in some of the world’s neediest areas. Our mission is to reduce elder abuse, neglect, and abandonment by:

  • Educating family caregivers – We equip families with the skills and knowledge to care for their aging loved ones at home. We also train healthcare workers in person-centered care models to improve the quality of elder care.
  • Providing essential support – For older adults without caregivers, we step in by offering shelter, food, clothing, and access to healthcare.
  • Caring for the whole person – From birth to end of life, we address both spiritual and physical needs.
  • Creating jobs – Our β€œPay It Forward” entrepreneur program helps people start their own businesses, and we prioritize hiring locally and using local businesses. A stable income leads to a healthier home environment, reducing the risk of elder neglect and abuse.
  • Advocating for older adults – We educate the public, develop best practices, and push for high-quality care to protect seniors’ rights.

We believe in the power of generational change. Through our outreach programs and intergenerational homes, we create meaningful connections between children and older adults.

  • We support caregivers by providing educational resources, distributed through church leaders, short-term missionaries, and medical professionals.
  • Children in our intergenerational homes learn from these same resources and have access to mentorship programs.
  • Our goal? To help young people understand the circle of lifeβ€”that caring for and respecting elders is a vital part of a thriving community.

We’re all about building self-reliance and strengthening local economies.

  • We hire locally and source as many materials and services as possible from the communities we serve.
  • To prepare the next generation for success, we offer job skills training and mentorship programs.
  • By exposing children to new opportunities, we hope to inspire them to reach their full potential and build a financially stable future.

We focus on one community at a time, working to restore and protect vulnerable older adults in some of the world’s most underserved areas. Our goal is to reduce elder abuse, neglect, and abandonment by:

  • Educating family caregivers – We equip families with the skills and knowledge to care for their aging loved ones at home. We also train healthcare professionals in proven, person-centered care models to improve the overall quality of elder care.
  • Providing essential support – For older adults who have no one to help them, we step in by offering shelter, food, clothing, and access to healthcare.
  • Caring for the whole person – From birth to end of life, we address both spiritual and physical needs.
  • Creating jobs – Our “Pay It Forward” entrepreneur program helps people start their own businesses, and we prioritize hiring locally and supporting local businesses. A stable income leads to a healthier home environment, reducing the risk of elder neglect and abuse.
  • Advocating for older adults – We educate communities, develop best practices, and push for high-quality care to protect seniors’ rights and well-being.