Intergenerational partnership benefits area kids, seniors at Parsons Presbyterian Manor

Thanks to a grant from the Parsons Community Foundation, a program at Parsons Presbyterian Manor is bringing kids and our seniors together.

Residents visit a local first grade classroom once each month and those area first graders return the favor by visiting the Manor.

“It helps me get through my day a little easier,” resident Marlene Swaney told local television station KSN 16 for a story on the benefits of the grant. “I’ve got grandkids but they’re little bitty.”

When the residents visit the classroom, they often read to the students, while the students partake in bingo with the residents when they make their way to the community. Grant money is used to provide books to the first-grade classroom, as well as bingo prizes.

There are also holiday celebrations and the bonds built between students and seniors are truly something special. This is the second year of the program and residents say they love it!

‍