Sharing between seniors and elementary school students

Article icon

Abstract

In Fort Worth, Texas, a reciprocal arrangement between an elementary school and a senior housing community created opportunities for seniors and children to volunteer for and with each other through intergenerational activities. An important factor in sustaining the successful intergenerational program was a dedicated service coordinator at the senior housing community. This effective practice was submitted by AmeriCorps*VISTA member Bernice Williams, who served as a service coordinator with her husband at the Villas-by-the-Lake senior community.

Back to top

Issue

Often seniors in senior housing communities are recipients of service from children through service-learning projects. The Villas-by-the-Lake senior community in Fort Worth, Texas, recognized the seniors could be service providers as well. This intergenerational project by an AmeriCorps*VISTA member created opportunities for seniors to volunteer at an elementary school and opportunities for the children to entertain and visit the seniors at the senior housing community.

Back to top

Action

There are many ways in which seniors can volunteer at an elementary school, as evidenced by the following practices that were implemented by the Villas-by-the-Lake senior community in Fort Worth, Texas:
  • Volunteers seeking interaction with children provided in-class tutoring and out-of-class individualized tutoring sessions.
  • A fifth-grade student, identified by the school counselor as seriously "at risk," was given special attention by two senior volunteers. It was reported that he never missed a day of school after this counseling effort began.
  • Volunteers who were not comfortable working with children assisted in the library.
  • All volunteers must work under the direction and preference of applicable school staff (teacher, librarian, etc.). It is ideal for staff and volunteers to have compatible personalities, but it is essential that volunteers accept the authority of school staff.
  • Other senior residents participated at the residential community when students arrived for special projects. Students who were working on their writing skills wrote stories based on interviews with senior residents. The stories were compiled into a book, which was presented to the seniors. Other students engaged in a "Caring and Compassion" curriculum made gift baskets, which senior volunteers contributed to by spending several hours adding decorations. The baskets were then delivered to nursing home residents.
  • The service coordinator position at the senior residential community was integral to the success of the volunteer program. The coordinator must be dedicated to the program, as it often requires dedication beyond that of a part-time volunteer.
  • Designate one school staff member to be the sole point of contact for the service coordinator when arranging activities. This will help prevent potential miscommunication.
  • Schedule a school visit for the service coordinator to meet the school staff and become oriented with the campus. An introduction to the school's Parent-Teacher Association may also be beneficial.
  • Select a school campus that is easily accessible for senior volunteers. This will increase the likelihood of regular participation.

Back to top

Context

AmeriCorps*VISTA members, sponsored by the University of North Texas, served as coordinators of the volunteer program at Villas-by-the-Lake. In that capacity they conducted needs assessment surveys of the senior residents, provided orientations for new volunteers, established service activities, and organized events with a local elementary school.

Villas-by-the-Lake senior community in Fort Worth, Texas is a tax-credit property offering sixty percent of its units at market value and the remaining forty percent as affordable housing units. As part of their eligibility for tax-credit status, the owners of Villas-by-the-Lake, Western Rim Property Services, Inc., were required to establish social services in their residential community. For these purposes Western Rim sought consultation from the University of North Texas Center for Public Service.

Back to top

Outcome

The experience of serving their community gave many seniors a sense of purpose and the satisfaction of sharing their skills. Elementary students received rewarding intergenerational experiences.Approximately 10 residents volunteered on a regular basis at W.M. Green Elementary School. Each volunteer served two hours per week in on-going service for one school semester. Some volunteers continued service into the following school year.

Back to top

Posted On

August 28, 2001

Back to top

For More Information

Ann Harris
University of North Texas, Center for Public Service
AmeriCorps*VISTA Coordinator
Chilton 238-A
Denton, TX 76203
Phone: (972) 780-3613
Fax: (940) 565-3141

Back to top

Related Practices

Back to top

Related sites

University of North Texas National Academy for Teaching and Learning About Aging

Volunteer Appreciation Reception

Topic Areas

Back to top