A new Eden at Home initiative,  Eden Apprentice Training is an interactive learning experience that introduces young people, ages 11 to 18 to The Eden Alternative principles.  By Eden’s definition, meaningful care is that which nurtures the human spirit, as well as the human body, and recognizes and celebrates each person's unique capacity for growth.  With an eye toward seeing aging in a new light, Eden Apprentice Training promotes a vision of communities that view Elderhood as a valued phase of human development, where Elders are understood to have a gift or legacy to share with younger generations.  We define an Elder as someone who, by virtue of life experience, is here to teach us how to live.

Our Youth Are the Promise of a New Tomorrow...

The ultimate goal of Eden Apprentice Training is to empower youth participants to become change agents at the grassroots level.  Living by example, they have the opportunity to play a crucial role in shifting the culture of care and perspectives on aging in our communities.  The Eden Apprentice concept was inspired by the notion that deep transformation relies firmly on education of the young and older alike.  Experience shows us that shifting paradigms and value systems is much harder for adults, who have become more entrenched in systemic ways of thinking and behaving.  Our young people are in a unique position to embrace new points of view with greater ease and acceptance.  This said, Eden Apprentice Training furthers Eden at Home’s mission to weave culture change philosophy into the fabric of our society and create well-integrated, supportive communities.

We Are Growing and Becoming...