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PPH fosters intergenerational connection with Kindergarten students Whether it's raising a family, a successful career or general life advice, PPH residents have much wisdom to offer. (Any PPH staff member can attest to this.) But retirement age doesn't mean an end to new experiences, and through one opportunity, PPH residents have been able to build intergenerational bonds with local students for more than 20 years. Back in 2000, PPH Volunteer Coordinator Carol Cherrington connected with Mary Collins, then a teacher at Creighton Elementary. Ms. Collins was aiming to develop an intergenerational partnership, something that both senior citizens and young students could benefit from. Through four workshops with Temple University, a mini-grant was obtained to help fund the program. And 24 years later, PPH residents continue to volunteer their Tuesday mornings with Ms. Collins — now a teacher at Rhawnhurst Elementary School — and her Kindergarten students. Whether it's helping the students through The Pledge of Kindness reading lessons, ensuring I pledge to myself, they're focused during On this very day, an exam, assisting with To try to be kind, In every way. arts & crafts, or guiding To every person, the students in the Big or small, right direction during I will help them, classroom activities, If they fall. our volunteers serve as When I love myself, companions in various And others, too, ways. And it's not just the That is the best, students who are on the That I can do. receiving end of lessons
PPH staff dropped off books — donated by a PPH resident — to Ms. Collins' Rhawnhurst Elementary Kindergarten class. Back row, from left to right: PPH Director of Community Relations Bill Conaway, Rhawnhurst Kindergarten teacher Ms. Collins, PPH Volunteer Coordinator Carol Cherrington and PPH Director of Donor Development Marianna Calabrese. learned. "This program is also enriching for our volunteercoaches, who have received a lot of satisfaction and fulfillment from this intergenerational partnership," Carol said. "Ms. Collins has been wonderful and treats our volunteers well." PPH resident Natalie Hardiman has been a coach in Ms. Collins class for awhile and appreciates the opportunity to be in the company of the students. "It's uplifting to see and help the children. A lot of them come from different countries — it's such a multi-cultured environment," she said. One aspect Natalie values is a kindness pledge that Ms. Collins' students cite every morning after the Pledge of Allegiance. Intergenerational >>> Continued on page 3
In This Issue...
• Flag Day, Pride Month and Juneteenth celebrations • CNA recognized as Guardian Angel • 40 years at PPH
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