Tarbiya House Natomas
The Tawqeer Initiative is an intergenerational program at Tarbiya House Natomas that brings youth and elders together through meaningful, guided companionship. By creating opportunities for youth to serve, listen, learn, and build relationships with elders, Tawqeer seeks to combat isolation, preserve wisdom and lived experience, cultivate respect for our elders, and rebuild the bonds between generations that strengthen our community.
What is the initiative?
The Tawqeer Initiative is an intergenerational community initiative piloted at Tarbiya House Natomas through a collaboration between the Youth and Chaplaincy Departments. It was created to address a growing divide between generations: many elders experience loneliness and a lack of meaningful companionship, while young people are increasingly disconnected from the wisdom, lived experience, history, and manners of honoring elders that previous generations can pass down.
At its heart, Tawqeer is about rebuilding relationships between youth and elders through intentional, consistent companionship. Youth participate in small groups and are connected with elders for guided visits based on each elder’s needs and preferences. Mentors help prepare and guide the youth so that visits are not simply social calls, but opportunities for conversation, companionship, wisdom-sharing, reflection, and mutual care.
The initiative is designed to benefit both generations: elders have opportunities to feel seen, heard, connected, and valued while sharing their knowledge and lived experience; youth gain meaningful relationships, learn from those who came before them, and develop greater respect and care for elders. Ultimately, Tawqeer seeks to restore the masjid as a truly multigenerational community where wisdom is passed down, character is nurtured, and generations strengthen one another.