Residents Return to Middle School Through New Intergenerational Learning Program
A budding partnership between St. John’s and the Allendale Columbia School in Brighton saw a group of independent living residents head back to school this Spring.
It is all part of a program designed to bridge the generational gap between older adults and middle schoolers.
“The kids without their phones are wonderful,” St. John’s Meadows cottage resident Carol Fybush told 13 WHAM while participating in a class session with Allendale Columbia seventh graders. “We talk and we’ve had great conversations, and it’s just nice to be back with younger people.”
“Carolyne taught me how she persevered through a lot of different challenges she faced,” said student Rafaela Agi Naluli about Carolyne Garman, who lives in a bungalow at Brickstone by St. John’s. “We bonded over a lot of things, and I’m glad I got the experience we’ve had.”
St. John’s Meadows Volunteer Services Coordinator Marie Kamin approached the school about partnering this year, and she says the program at Allendale Columbia has been a success for all involved. “For students, these interactions build empathy, strengthen communication skills, and break down stereotypes about aging,” says Kamin. “For residents, volunteering provides a fulfilling sense of purpose, sharpens cognitive health, and reduces social isolation.”
“Ultimately, this collaboration creates a supportive learning environment where both generations teach and inspire one another,” adds Kamin. She says that during the three sessions, residents shared valuable life stories and seemed to find easy common ground with students through visual storytelling. “They also participated in timed team challenges and engaged in quick decision-making in a high-energy environment!”