Acorns to Oaks: Building Belonging Through Art and Connection

K-12 STEAM education

San Fernando Valley

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

Many neurodivergent children face social isolation and a lack of inclusive educational opportunities. At the same time, older adults in care facilities often experience loneliness, depression, and cognitive decline due to a lack of engagement. Acorns to Oaks addresses both challenges by creating intergenerational programming rooted in art, movement, and storytelling. It offers neurodivergent students opportunities to connect with others, build social-emotional skills, and engage in creative expression. For seniors, the program provides joy, companionship, and mental stimulation. This work supports broader goals of belonging, inclusion, and well-being for two populations often excluded from community programming.

Acorns to Oaks is a monthly intergenerational arts program that brings Legacy Academy students to partner eldercare facilities for collaborative artmaking, games, and storytelling. Each visit is co-facilitated by an educator and mental health practitioner trained in trauma-informed and neurodivergent-inclusive practices. With LA2050 support, we will expand to serve more students and seniors and document the curriculum through a replicable guide and short film series. The funding will allow us to cover transportation, art materials, staffing, and film production costs. Over the year, the program will serve at least 60 youth and 60 seniors directly while inspiring countless others through public screenings and free digital access to the curriculum.

Los Angeles will become more inclusive and connected, where neurodivergent youth and older adults are seen as leaders and valued contributors. Our curriculum will be available to schools and senior centers across LA County, offering an easy-to-implement model of inclusion through the arts. The seniors and students involved will build meaningful relationships that improve their mental health, while audiences and educators who view the accompanying media will gain insight into intergenerational empathy. As the work is shared, we expect additional community programs to adopt inclusive arts practices.