Dock Woods Community encourages intergenerational relationships, seeing them as a way to enhance the lives of our residents and younger generations through learning experiences and various activities. Part of the emphasis includes our interaction with youngsters at the Children’s Center on the Dock Woods campus, and our relationship with Christopher Dock High School, located right next door. We also encourage residents to interact with the children living at Dock Village, our Family Housing facility, through the Adopt-A-Grandparent program.

Mission Statement:The Children’s Center at Dock Woods seeks to provide a secure and stimulating home away from home where children are individually loved, valued, cared for, delighted in and respected.

The Children’s Center, opened in 1999, is the second center operated by Salford Mennonite Child Care Center, a mission of Salford Mennonite Church in Harleysville. The Center accommodates children of Dock Woods Community employees and families from the community who live or work in close proximity to Dock Woods.

Children interact with Dock Woods residents through planned activities or informal meetings when the children move about the community during daily walks. Residents are invited to volunteer at the Children’s Center. There are also several recreation areas where residents can watch children at play on their scooters, on the playground equipment, or running through the sprinkler.

It is a joy see intergenerational programming take place at Dock Woods. As residents engage in conversation with the children, their lives receive the refreshing touch of a child's inquisitive mind. As the children listen to a story read or told by a resident, they learn to respect and honor the wisdom and the memories that are shared.

Christopher Dock students play an active role in the lives of Dock Woods Community residents. Our residents are welcome to visit the high school campus for a walk around the pond, athletic events or a dramatic presentation. Students visit Dock Woods to share musical performances, participate in a variety of volunteer projects, and for opportunities to share ideas and learn from the residents. Students are also a part of a tutoring program for the children at Dock Village. Many Christopher Dock students and graduates are also employees of Dock Woods Community.