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Well-Being with Intergenerational Experiences

At WesleyLife, we believe that by building bridges across generations, we can not only deepen interpersonal relationships but also strengthen the physical, intellectual, and spiritual well-being of all our community members.

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What is intergenerational programming?

At WesleyLife, community and belonging are integral to our residents' happiness. Intergenerational programming provides a unique opportunity for younger and older age groups to form meaningful connections, pursue shared passions and interests, and develop a deeper sense of purpose.

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Experience the impact firsthand.

As we age, our relationships with one another and with younger generations offer new opportunities for learning, exploration, and growth. We believe that through holistic intergenerational programming, all parties can experience the magic of creativity, storytelling, problem-solving, physical wellness, and more. Choose from a variety of programs based on your unique interests and passions.

Generations over Lunch

Generations Over Lunch is an intergenerational lunch-and-learn event created by WesleyLife Meals on Wheels in partnership with Drake University’s Office of Community Engaged Learning. Each session brings together Drake students, faculty, older adults from the community, and other guests to share a complimentary meal and engage in meaningful conversations around a course-related topic. Through guided dialogue and shared perspectives, GOL fosters connection, learning, and community across generations.
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The Civil Rights Movement: National Struggles, Iowa Stories Facilitated by Dr. Megan Sibbel and Drake History Students
Generations over Lunch

The Civil Rights Movement: National Struggles, Iowa Stories Facilitated by Dr. Megan Sibbel and Drake History Students

Date: Oct 16, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Location: Generations Hall, 3206 University Ave., Des Moines, IA 50311
Hosting Organization: Meals on Wheels
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Seeing Ourselves: Representations of Aging in Art Facilitated by Dr. Sascha Crasnow and Drake Art History Students
Generations over Lunch

Seeing Ourselves: Representations of Aging in Art Facilitated by Dr. Sascha Crasnow and Drake Art History Students

Date: Nov 5, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Location: Generations Hall, 3206 University Ave., Des Moines, IA 50311
Hosting Organization: Meals on Wheels
Learn More
Leading Across Generations: Sharing Lessons on Work, Leadership, and Purpose Facilitated by Dr. Molly Shepard and Drake Leadership Studies Students ​
Generations over Lunch

Leading Across Generations: Sharing Lessons on Work, Leadership, and Purpose Facilitated by Dr. Molly Shepard and Drake Leadership Studies Students ​

Date: Nov 15, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Location: Generations Hall, 3206 University Ave., Des Moines, IA 50311
Hosting Organization: Meals on Wheels
Learn More

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A group of people watching a presentation in Generations Hall

Polk County Generations Hall

Polk County Generations Hall was created to connect individuals across generations for meaningful connections through engaging conversation, insightful and relevant programming, and opportunities to learn from one another — all designed to ease the loneliness of social isolation and foster the pursuit of joy.

Rent this 1,750-square-foot space for your next event! Generations Hall is fully equipped to meet the needs of your business meeting, off-site retreat, celebration, or private event. The hall includes full AV and Zoom capabilities, two large TVs, Wi-Fi, and an on-site kitchen.

When you support Generations Hall, you’ll feel good knowing that 100% of the proceeds benefit WesleyLife Meals on Wheels, providing much-needed meals and well-being checks to older adults and veterans. Tours of our Meals on Wheels campus, including our hydroponic farm, are also available for your group.

To book now, email us at: MOWGenerationsBookings@wesleylife.org

Venue Information

The space offers both round tables and board-style long tables. Four high-top tables are available for receptions. Local event planner White Willow is our recommended event planner for outside rentals or additional needs.

  • For a seated luncheon at round tables, capacity is about 75.
  • Theater-style events can seat around 120 comfortably.

Generations Hall can be rented Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. For availability or to inquire about days or times outside of normal rental hours, please call (515) 699-3240 or email MOWGenerationsBookings@wesleylife.org.

(Also, as part of your booking, please consider opportunities to connect with our mission by volunteering in our unique hydroponic farm or by delivering a Meals on Wheels route!)

 

Grandmother playing tic-tac-toe with two of her young grand children

Together, Generations can do great things.

Interested in hosting or attending a special event?

Click below to connect with our team.

Connect with Us

Hear from Our Team:

"In any intergenerational partnership, both groups benefit. As we grow older, sometimes we feel that we're not needed as much. These residents prove time and time again that they have so much to offer." 

Susan "Wickie" Dawe
Wesley on Grand Resident Life Coordinator