Hammock Pointe Elementary School’s Promise team chose this school year to focus on Promise 5, giving service. The youth and adults on the school’s promise team are making two visits a month to Regents Park, a senior living residence on Verde Trail. These intergenerational meetings provide opportunities for dialogue between the youth and the elder generation. The program is called “Senior Pals”.

The youth make cards and mail them to residents keep in touch. Several residents enjoy playing “Life Stories”, a board game which helps youth and seniors share common experiences to learn more about one another. The youth sometimes bring in their small dogs on visits.

The residents look forward to the visits. They express appreciation that the youth give up a Sat. morning or a day after school to come and visit. The youth feel good about being greeted so warmly and say “putting a smile on the residents’ faces” makes it all worthwhile.

The project is coordinated by Jeanne Mier, member of the school’s Promise Team.