Capturing Stories, Building Connection: Intergenerational Moments that Matter
The Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC) recently started an initiative focused on intergenerational mental health and wellbeing funded by a grant from Trinity Church NYC. The initiative, Creative Practices for Community Mental Health, is rooted in the Lower East Side/Chinatown community and aims to increase family wellbeing through storytelling and reduce stigma surrounding mental health. Grounded in the lived experiences of residents, CPC aims to normalize cross-cultural and generational conversations, increase awareness of available health resources, and foster intergenerational healing. Through facilitated workshops, dialogue circles, linkages to care, and multimedia storytelling, participants will reflect on influences of cultural and family identity, and the broader family narrative around wellbeing.
A program within this initiative is in full swing in partnership with DCTV and Anise Health. DCTV, a nonprofit media arts education organization based in Lower Manhattan since 1972, is providing audio and visual storytelling instruction to 4th and 5th grade participants. Anise Health specializes in culturally-attuned therapy for the Asian community, and as our clinical advisor, develops clinical resources and brings therapists to facilitate conversations to integrate cultural context.
CPC’s 4th and 5th grade afterschool students from PS 130 have been hard at work capturing their story and their families’ stories, embracing their roles as storytellers. Some of the most powerful moments have been the students’ “aha” realizations. Many began thinking they already knew everything about their parents—but as stories unfolded, their eyes widened in surprise: “I never knew that.”
One child interviewed their mother, who shared memories of childhood play in her homeland—climbing trees, catching fish in rivers, and playing with rocks. As the child translated her words into English on video, a bridge of culture, language, and generations came alive.
Parents, too, found the experience meaningful. Many shared that they had never reflected on their own histories in this way. Being heard, reminiscing, and sharing with their children brought a deep sense of validation and connection.
At CPC, this program reflects our mission to strengthen families, support holistic wellbeing, and foster resilient communities. By creating intentional spaces for sharing and listening, we nurture intergenerational bonds while promoting mental and emotional wellness. When families feel seen and heard, children and communities thrive.
With just a few months to go, we are excited to see these stories come to life in their final projects.
If you would like to learn more about CPC's work in afterschool programs and the community, see our listing of available school-age programming here and follow our social media for community events on Instagram and Facebook.
