“My kids love the experience,” said a student’s parent. “They get a lot from Kids Connection and they learn to not fear older adults.” Mrs. Hogerheide, from Twin Rivers school district, brings her 3rd graders to Eskaton Care Center Greenhaven every other month.
When the kids come into the room, you can see the energy change. The students shift the mood of the seniors who live here. The choreographed dance to the song “Stitches” by Shawn Mendes brought smiles residents and you could see them bobbing their heads to the music.
The students interviewed the senior they were partnered with and learned details from their younger years. “What did you want to do when you grew up?” asked one child. “I wanted to get married,” said a Tina, a resident at Greenhaven.
After reading together and doing an art and craft, the kids took their “buddies” for a ride around the gardens of the community. Ron showed off the Therapeutic garden before everyone headed in for lunch. The residents were happy with their visit and look forward to the next time they get to see their buddies.
