By Dani Tietz
The possibility of a new friendship is everywhere.
Although Mahomet-Seymour Junior High seventh and eighth-grade students have hundreds of peers to choose friendships from, a group of 17 participating in the Community Action Program found some new friends at The Glenwood Assisted Living in Mahomet on March 29.
After singing carols for residents late last year, the students asked Sponsor and MSJHS Social Worker Jill Kyle if they could go back in the spring.
In its 25th year, the Community Action Program is a volunteer group focused on making a difference in the community by participating in various service projects throughout the school year.
The program, which has about 25 students consistently participating this year, has been to kindergarten classrooms to do crafts and teach board game etiquette, raked senior citizens’ leaves in the fall, helped with a project at Salvation Army, and did a food drive for Mom’s Pantry.
In the two months left in the 2022-23 school year, Kyle says the students will do some kind of planting or clean-up project at a Village of Mahomet park and host their annual “thank you” project for our local service providers.
The March trip was not only about students helping residents with the fine motor skills needed to string beads on a pipe cleaner but also reconnecting with a group of residents who enjoyed their holiday performance and giving students a chance to see the world from the perspective of someone outside of their day-to-day circle.
“I think (hope) that the students took away more empathy and compassion for senior citizens, more social communication skills for interacting with others (particularly of other generations), and more of an understanding of the perspectives of different generations,” Kyle said. “In short, I hope that they gained a little more ability to think outside of themselves.”
Eighth-grader Mya Hanson said, “Visiting Glenwood made me realize that life is fragile but you should always make the most of it. I say this because I was able to hear a few stories from some of the residents there that said they wish they had done what they always wanted to do like for instance going for a sleigh ride.”
Glenwood Administrator, Cassie Ipox said she witnessed a special connection between the residents and the students who came to assist with a beaded butterfly project.
“The residents loved every moment of it, which you could tell from their big smiles!,” Ipox said. “They told me they enjoyed working with and learning what the kids do these days. I had one of my residents come to me afterward and say that the world has changed from when they were younger.
Glenwood resident Mary Ellen said, “Having the girls from the middle school helped us with arts and crafts project was a delight. They were easy to visit with and so polite and helpful. It was a good experience for the seniors and youth!
Those sentiments were echoed by Judy Harris, “One little girl made her butterfly then made another one and said it was from her to me.”
The Glenwood is always looking for local musicians, schools, choirs, or anyone who just wants to share their time to come into one of their five locations: Mahomet, Greenville, Staunton, Mt. Zion, and Effingham.
“The residents delight in the fun and enjoy the company,” Ipox said.
For additional information or to schedule a tour of The Glenwood, contact Administrator, Cassie Ipox at (217) 586-5100.
The Glenwood – “Where the Only Things You Leave Behind Are Worries!”
-Ask about VA Benefits that could aid in housing costs for you or your loved ones
