Ibukun facilitated intergenerational dialogues with community members living in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Birmingham and student apprentices from Jones Valley Teaching Farm. These courageous conversations were rooted in sharing experiences and perspectives about mental health and well-being, activism, food and nutrition, and so much more. The purpose of his project was to address social isolation and loneliness, especially stemming from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As a result of the program, both older adults (super adults as we like to call them) along with the student apprentices expressed improved social connection based on pre- and post-survey results from the Lubben Social Network Scale. 

“This has been an enriching experience and I look forward to sustaining these relationships with matriarchs and mentees through ongoing engagement at SocialVenture and Jones Valley Teaching Farm. I’ve learned about the importance of servant leadership, active listening, and the power of community. I would be honored if an incoming ASF Fellow adopts this project in an effort to continue connecting with our local communities!”