Introduction

Our Junior High volunteer programs are designed with the fact that the students may be new to volunteering, kept in mind and there is much more structure than what is found in the Senior High format. For instance, the students all gather in a central area for the visit with the seniors and supervision by the LINKages staff is provided (a lot of supervision at the beginning and less as the year progresses). The visits for the Junior High students take place over the lunch hour on a bi-weekly basis, and they receive two-way transportation between the school and the care facility.

Many of the visits will have planned activities incorporated in them to aid with the bonding process. The activities might include:

• games,
• crafts,
• reading,
• storytelling,
• talent shows,
• movies and
• the writing of the senior’s biography.

A junior high student provides a ‘true’ testimony for Intergenerational Programs:

“Ever since my grandfather passed away of Alzheimer’s, there has been an empty space in my heart. I have greatly missed him over the past few years. My senior helped me fill that space with happiness and joy. The seniors help us reflect on life and how it works. They can give us advice and wisdom on hard choices. Many of my decisions have been made by remembering my senior’s insights and stories – and these decisions have benefitted me.”