Where Generations Grow Together
When Greg Robertson, Executive Vice President and General Manager at Notify, reflects on his family’s experience at TowerLight, one memory rises above the rest.
“All the kids were invited to a resident’s 100th birthday party,” he recalls. “You had the 100-year-old, her child in their 80s, babies, toddlers and preschoolers all at the same party.”
That moment of four generations gathered in one room captures what makes TowerLight’s intergenerational childcare program so distinctive.
Through a partnership between TowerLight Senior Living in St. Louis Park and its childcare program, young children and older adults are in a stimulating, co-learning environment. The campus creates opportunities for interaction through activities such as read-along time, gardening, bingo, science programming, MacPhail Music for Life Side by Side™, special family events and shared meals. Connections like stopping to visit or joining weekly programs are just as meaningful.
The childcare philosophy centers on learning through play and exploration. As children and older adults share stories, games and activities, bonds form that transcend generations.
Greg’s son Henry was among the first to participate when the program began more than a decade ago. What started as a preschool experience became something that shaped their entire family.
“There’s sometimes a stigma that senior living is lonely,” he says. “But when you see the intergenerational care, everyone’s face lights up.”
– Greg Robertson
“To have it still be a good part of their life,” he says, “I think that’s a testament to the people here.”
– Greg Robertson
“It was great right from the start,” Greg says. “It kind of felt like home.”
Henry spent nearly five years in the program, building friendships with other children and residents he calls his “grandfriends.” The impact has lasted far beyond graduation.
“He’s still friends with kids he met here, even though they never went to school together after they left,” Greg shares. “Even now, going into high school, they’re best friends.”
For children who may not live near their grandparents, these relationships are meaningful. Spending time with older adults helps them see beyond their own small worlds. They gain perspective, develop empathy and discover similarities. That understanding builds respect and a talent for celebrating differences.
Greg believes the benefits extend equally to residents.
“There’s sometimes a stigma that senior living is lonely,” he says. “But when you see the intergenerational care, everyone’s face lights up.”
The presence of children brings energy and purpose to the community. Residents attend preschool graduation, celebrate milestones, and share stories and wisdom. In return, children offer laughter, curiosity and a spark of joy.
TowerLight is one of four Ebenezer communities across the Twin Cities that offer childcare. In addition to TowerLight, Riley Crossing, Ebenezer Ridges and The Pillars of Prospect Park each integrate early childhood learning into their senior living campuses. Even at locations without on-site child care, intergenerational programming is still an essential part of the experience, ensuring meaningful connections among all generations.
Years later, the experience remains part of Greg’s family story.
“To have it still be a good part of their life,” he says, “I think that’s a testament to the people here.”
This story is featured in Ebenezer’s 2025 Impact Report alongside many others highlighting our mission in action.