Across the country, communities are searching for innovative ways to address social isolation among older adults, while strengthening outcomes for children, youth, and families. Grandpas United, an intergenerational, volunteer initiative based in Westchester County, NY, demonstrates how engaging older men—specifically grandfathers—can create powerful, lasting community impact while helping them rediscover purpose in the next chapter of their lives.
Grandpas United began in 2018 with a simple but important question: Where are the programs designed specifically for grandfathers? At the time, I had recently retired from my role as Executive Director of a Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare organization. My longtime friend Frank Williams, Director of the White Plains Youth Bureau, had just become a grandpa. While programs for grandparents and grandmothers were plentiful, we found very few opportunities intentionally designed for older men who wanted to remain engaged, useful and connected.
We believed there was an untapped opportunity to bring older men—many with decades of professional, parenting, and life experience—into meaningful relationships with youth and fathers. With that shared vision, we convened a small group of “grandpa friends” to explore the idea. Early momentum grew when a local newspaper published a front-page story titled “Gramps, Not Grumps.”That headline struck a chord. Grandpas came forward, eager to be part of something larger than themselves.
Growth, Recognition and Community Support
Since its founding, Grandpas United has grown into a vibrant, respected organization supported by local and state leaders, including the Mayor of White Plains, the Westchester County Executive, New York State Senators, Assemblymembers, school districts, and law enforcement leadership. Members have been recognized by the Westchester County Senior Hall of Fame, Volunteers New York, and the New York State Department of Aging.
‘Grandpas serve as listeners, guides and trusted adults—learning alongside teenagers how to communicate across generations.’
At its core, Grandpas United offers older men a renewed sense of identity—one rooted in servant leadership (wherein leaders focus on meeting subordinates’ needs rather than on their own or those of the organization), mentorship and community stewardship. For many grandfathers, retirement marks a profound transition. Grandpas United reframes this stage not as an ending, but as a beginning: a time to give back, model values, and remain deeply relevant.
Mentoring the Next Generation
One of the organization’s most effective initiatives is “Grandpas Go to School,”a mentoring program that brings grandfathers into elementary schools to build relationships with boys—many of whom lack consistent male role models. Sessions focus on play, conversation, and connection. Grandpas and students play games, learn chess together, practice handshakes, and talk about the importance of eye contact and respect.
Another successful effort involves mentoring youth participating in the Youth Court program at the White Plains Youth Bureau. Over the past five years, more than 100 young people have been diverted from the juvenile justice system through this initiative. Grandpas serve as listeners, guides, and trusted adults—learning alongside teenagers how to communicate across generations.
To support these relationships, Grandpas United hosts bimonthly mentoring trainings via Zoom, co-facilitated by a Grandpa volunteer and a licensed social worker. These sessions help volunteers navigate intergenerational challenges while strengthening mentoring skills.
Building Trust Between Youth and Police
Grandpas United is also a strong supporter of the North American Family Institute (NAFI) Youth Police Initiative (YPI), a nationally recognized model that builds trust between police officers and youth. The program brings together 10 to 15 officers and high school students for facilitated dialogue, storytelling, and role-play exercises focused on real-world community interactions. Grandpas participate as observers and supporters, attending role-play sessions and celebration dinners. Feedback has consistently been positive, and the program continues to expand—including a new initiative pairing women police officers with high school girls.
Supporting Fathers Through Experience and Wisdom
In 2022 and 2023, two Grandpas United volunteers—one a retired pediatrician, the other a retired long-haul truck driver—developed JumpStart for Dads, a virtual program supporting fathers and expectant fathers. Despite vastly different careers, both shared a belief that fathers needed more guidance, affirmation, and space for honest discussion.
The 12-session program, facilitated by pairs of grandfathers, uses the National Fatherhood Initiative’s ProFathering15 curriculum as a springboard for dialogue. As of February 2026, 34 men have completed the program, offered in English and Spanish.
Civic Engagement, Workforce Readiness, and Legacy
Grandpas United also invests in the future through its Civic Engagement and Vocational Training Award, honoring a late member whose family wished to continue his legacy of service. Six high school seniors each receive a $750 award after submitting an essay and participating in interviews conducted by Grandpa volunteers.
‘During the White Plains Youth Bureau’s Summer Youth Employment Program, Grandpas assist with job-readiness orientations for more than 250 young people.’
During the White Plains Youth Bureau’s Summer Youth Employment Program, Grandpas assist with job-readiness orientations for more than 250 young people. In small-group discussions, they share lessons about networking, workplace expectations, and lifelong learning—often connecting youth with job leads and professional contacts.
Community, Friendship, and Lifelong Learning
Beyond formal programming, Grandpas United prioritizes connection among its members. “Coffee with Grandpas” gatherings feature guest speakers ranging from elected officials to health professionals. Special sessions have even included former athletes from the Yankees, Mets and Knicks. These gatherings foster friendship, learning and well-being—key elements of healthy aging.
Purpose in the Next Chapter
As the Grandpas United story continues, it reflects a broader truth: older men want to matter. They want to serve. They want to lead with humility, wisdom and compassion. Through intergenerational engagement, grandfathers find renewed purpose while strengthening families and communities.
We are grateful for the dedicated, intergenerational staff who make this work possible, and for the opportunity to learn alongside national partners such as CoGenerateand Generations United.
To learn more, please visit grandpasunited.org.
Jim Isenberg, PhD, served in executive roles in transportation, criminal justice, youth development, and conflict resolution in the United States and abroad. He has taught criminal justice internationally and wrote a book on policing. Prior to retirement he served as executive director of the New York region of the North American Family Institute. He was inducted into the Westchester County Senior Hall of Fame, honored for his work with Grandpas United by Volunteer NY, and awarded the 2025 Governor’s Exemplary Volunteer Award at the NYS Older New Yorkers Day in Albany.
Photo caption: from left to right, Nicholas Wolff, John Steward and Mark Sharff run a project with kids for Grandpas United.
Photo credit: Courtesy Grandpas United.
