Treehouse Foundation Enhances Community Impact with New CEO and Research Initiative

The Treehouse Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to improving foster care through intergenerational community living, has unveiled ambitious plans for growth. In an important development for the organization, a three-year community research initiative is set to kick-off this spring, fueled by a substantial grant from the Next50 Foundation amounting to $495,000. This noteworthy investment aims to evaluate the success of Treehouse’s existing intergenerational neighborhood in Easthampton, Massachusetts, and lay the groundwork for potential expansions into the Boston and Worcester areas.

The upcoming research will specifically focus on how Treehouse's affordable intergenerational communities cater to the diverse needs of youth with care experience, their limited-income caregivers, and older adults with restricted financial means. These communities aim to foster social connections and replicate sustainable living arrangements that benefit all age groups involved. Currently, Treehouse's Easthampton community consists of 60 affordable rental units designed for families and older adults aged 55 and above who are fostering or adopting children from the foster care system.

Ann Augustine, the Chief Program Officer of Treehouse Foundation, expressed optimism regarding the potential of this grant: “This funding will pave the way for pioneering intergenerational living models across our sites, enriching our understanding of how we can support sustainable aging within our communities.” It’s a clear message that Treehouse is committed not only to the children in the foster care system but also to the broader community that plays a crucial role in their development.

The Next50 Foundation's investment will allocate $165,000 annually for the next three years, funding collaborative research alongside academic experts and a dedicated Community Feedback and Research Advisory Group. The endeavor is poised to collect invaluable insights and create a comprehensive data repository to continuously enhance programs and inform the development of future community plans.

Building further on this positive momentum, Treehouse is also benefiting from a prior $100,000 grant from the Lennox Foundation. These funds are earmarked for creating a documentary-style video library showcasing the diverse voices and experiences of Treehouse community members, as well as for revisions to the organization’s