278. Supporting Middle School Girls Through Grandmother Circles with Karen Foley

What happens when middle school girls have a consistent, trusted group of older women who listen to them, validate them, and create a safe space for them to be heard?

In this episode of the Time for Teachership podcast, host Lindsay Lyons talks with guest Karen Foley of the Juvenile Protective Association (JPA) in Chicago about the transformative power of intergenerational learning and JPA’s Grandmothers Program, which connects middle school girls with older women from their communities.

Karen shares how Grandmothers Circles create opportunities for girls to talk about what is really happening in their lives—from friendship drama and social media to safety, confidence, identity, and the challenges of growing up. Rather than teaching or telling girls what to do, the grandmothers primarily listen, guide, validate, and create a sense of safety and belonging.

The conversation also explores why investing in girls and women benefits entire communities, how educators can create more meaningful intergenerational experiences, and what schools and community organizations should consider when developing their own programs.

Karen emphasizes that the power of the Grandmothers Program isn't necessarily in the activities themselves. It is in the relationships, consistency, trust, and opportunity for young people to feel seen and heard.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why intergenerational learning can benefit both young people and older adults
• The purpose and structure of JPA’s Grandmothers Program
• Why middle school can be such a challenging time for girls
• How trusted adults can support girls' confidence, safety, and sense of belonging
• The importance of listening to students rather than immediately trying to teach or fix
• How grandmothers can serve as guides without attempting to replace parents or caregivers
• Recruiting and preparing community grandmothers and older women
• Why consistency and psychological safety are essential when working with students
• How schools can integrate intergenerational programs during or after the school day
• What girls and grandmothers can learn from one another
• Using real-life topics like social media and online safety to spark intergenerational conversations
• A fun example of girls learning cursive from grandmothers—and what it reveals about generational differences
• How educators and students can help shape the design of an intergenerational program
• The importance of providing access to mental health professionals when difficult topics arise
• JPA's Connect to Kids program and its approach to reflective practice, educator support, and stronger relationships with students

Grab the free resource connected to this episode at:

lindsaybethlyons.com/blog/278

Connect with guest Karen Foley:

Website: https://jpachicago.org/grandparent-circle/