Bridging the generation gap: United Church Homes connects senior residents with high schoolers

The Parkvue Community, a United Church Homes senior living community in Sandusky, Ohio, has launched “Parkvue Pals,” an intergenerational program that pairs residents with local Perkins High School students to build meaningful, one-on-one relationships.

The program matches residents and students based on shared interests, creating opportunities for conversation and mentorship. Beyond group gatherings such as ice cream socials, game nights, and themed celebrations, many pairs connect individually for regular visits and outings in the community. The school program is an officially funded club, paying for the outings. Parkvue Pals even has its own page in the high school yearbook.

For Brianna, a Perkins student and daughter of Parkvue administrator, Jedd Rawlins, the inspiration came from a personal experience.

“When I met Edith, a resident at another long-term care facility, we talked for hours, sharing stories and experiences,” Brianna shared. “She told me she felt bored and disconnected, and that really stuck with me. I wanted to create a program where residents could have someone to look forward to seeing — a new friend.”

Another student, Millie, emphasized the program’s impact on both generations. “I’ve learned that life doesn’t lose its spark as you grow older,” she said. “Spending time with my pal, Peggy, has shown me that age is just a number. She finds joy in every day, and it’s contagious.”

Residents say the program has brought renewed joy to their daily lives. “It gives me something to look forward to,” said S. Gilbert. “She’s not family, she’s not staff — she’s someone choosing to spend time with me.” D. Beck added, “I wish more people could have a student to visit them. It’s such a special connection.”

Samantha Williams, activities director at Parkvue, noted the program’s benefits. “I hear the most feedback from the residents. One of the main reasons they enjoy it is because the students are choosing to come in and spend time with them. They truly value that choice. They also enjoy being able to share stories and life experiences, as well as hearing about what the students are doing in their daily lives.”

Some of the students have shared that they enjoy hearing about the residents’ past — things like raising their families and what life and prices were like when they were younger.

Administrator Rawlins said the program is so successful that they are continually adding participants, and have requests for more in the coming fall. He said United Church Homes is looking at expanding the program into one of it’s Canton, Ohio communities as well. “The impact of this program is great for both the residents and the students. The youth and vitality of the students rubs off on the residents, and the students will carry the appreciation they have for the seniors with them throughout their lives.”

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