Craft Supplies Foster Student-Senior Engagement in Monte Vista

Many seniors in Monte Vista experience increased isolation due to limited family connections and fewer opportunities for meaningful social interaction, which negatively affects their emotional well-being and quality of life. After volunteering with students to visit local nursing homes and witnessing the positive impact of these visits, one community member envisioned expanding the program so that more students and seniors could benefit from regular interactions.

LOR’s funding has supported the purchase of supplies for blanket-making, bird feeders, crafts, snacks, and gifts that students and nursing home residents use together during visits throughout the year.

This intergenerational program fosters meaningful connections through music, games, storytelling, and collaborative projects that encourage reminiscence therapy and cognitive engagement—bringing companionship to isolated seniors while helping Monte Vista students build empathy and real-world relationship skills.

This project is fiscally sponsored by Optimystics Citizens Action Network.