Five years ago, seniors arriving early for a hot lunch at Clearwater County Senior Citizens would find an empty hall. Today, they’ll find a community of others gathered for conversation over a cup of coffee.
Watching this shift unfold over the years has been a great reward for Julie Hendren. As administrator of the center, Julie has implemented dozens of programs to build community at a time when isolation and loneliness are more endemic than ever. Last year, a $15,000 grant from Innovia made it possible for the center to build connections beyond its walls and across generations — beginning with Orofino Elementary School across the street.
Throughout the year, the center’s closeness to the school sparked many moments of connection for both seniors and students. When students began their unit on the Vietnam War, several veterans made the trip across the street to share their stories. When technology questions mounted at the center, sixth graders made the trip over for a “Tech Day,” helping seniors navigate smartphones, wifi connection, using a printer, and more. And when a local family was in need around the holidays, a group of seniors at the center banded together to wrap Christmas gifts for the children and buy groceries for a holiday meal.
Beyond the school, the center draws young musicians from a local church who perform and serve meals. At Orofino’s after-school center, seniors painted colorful rocks and organized a “rock hunt” for children in the local park. Combining both learning and fun, the community has also enjoyed plenty of intergenerational themed days through the support of the grant, including arts and crafts, cooking classes, and game events. A “Home on the Range” day was a special hit, when students and seniors arrived in their best cowboy outfits for a day of western food, crafts, and décor.
As Julie looks to the future, she hopes to bring more of this joy to the homebound seniors the center serves through regular meal deliveries. She envisions working with the school to invite older children to volunteer assisting with meal deliveries. Having seen how much intergenerational programs can enrich the lives of both students and seniors, she only hopes to see these opportunities expand in Orofino.
It’s just very, very rewarding. I love making their day, having more activities, and just keeping them active and engaged.”
