Phoenix Youth and Seniors Combat Isolation with “Generation Connect”
Serve the Future Brings Together Multiple Generations to Build Belonging, Connection, and Community
PHOENIX, Ariz. — Serve the Future, a Phoenix-based youth development nonprofit, in collaboration with the City of Phoenix Human Services Department will host “Generation Connect” on June 25 at the South Mountain Senior Center. The event brings youth and seniors together for a day focused on belonging, connection, mentorship, and community building.
At a time when loneliness and social isolation impact both older adults and young people, the event creates opportunities for meaningful conversations and lasting relationships across generations.
"Communities thrive when people know they belong," Iliana Hernandez, Human Services Program Coordinator, Senior Programs Division at the City of Phoenix added. "This event reminds us that every generation has something valuable to offer. When we create spaces for connection, we strengthen not only individual lives but the entire community.
Serve the Future uses the sport of tennis as a platform to engage their youth; but it's just the vehicle to a brighter future for these kids. Tennis opens the door but belonging changes their trajectory.
"Tennis may be the vehicle we often use, but belonging is the mission," said Leslie Banks, Founder and Executive Director of Serve the Future. "Generation Connect is about creating opportunities for people to feel seen, valued, and connected. When young people and older adults come together, incredible things happen. Stories are shared, wisdom is exchanged, and both generations walk away feeling stronger and more connected."
The event is made possible through partnerships with the City of Phoenix, Shamrock Foods, and Miracle Mile Delicatessen.
Throughout the afternoon, participants will engage in interactive activities, conversations, games, and shared experiences designed to foster understanding, empathy, and meaningful relationships. The event creates a space where youth can learn from the life experiences of older adults while seniors gain energy, perspective, and connection from the next generation.
Generation Connect reflects Serve the Future's broader mission of creating safe, supportive environments where young people build confidence, resilience, leadership, and future-ready life skills through mentorship and community connection. By intentionally bringing generations together, the organization hopes to strengthen social bonds that benefit individuals and the community.
Research continues to show that social connection plays a critical role in emotional well-being, mental health, and quality of life. Generation Connect addresses these challenges by creating opportunities for authentic human connection at a time when many people feel increasingly isolated.
About Serve the Future
Serve the Future is a Phoenix-based youth development nonprofit that creates safe, supportive environments where underserved youth build confidence, resilience, leadership, belonging, and future-ready life skills through mentorship and community connection. While tennis serves as one of the organization's engagement platforms, its mission is helping young people discover their value, expand their opportunities, and build brighter futures.
