{Fort Wayne, Sept. 27, 2022} – For over 10 years, Lutheran Life Villages (LLV) and Lutheran Social Services of Indiana (LSSI) have been working together to provide intergenerational engagement to the people they serve. This effort comes to life via Children’s Village, a state-of-the-art Early Learning Center operated by LSSI and housed on LLV’s 40 acre campus on South Anthony Boulevard. Residents, staff, and visitors at LLV have all come to enjoy a variety of activities with the children, including mail delivery, nature walks, story time, arts and crafts and much more.
Sadly, the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns made all of that impossible.
In fact, Children’s Village paused intergenerational programming prior to the government shut down to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus and to protect the children, staff, and families, as well as the residents at LLV. The loss of this most precious interaction was tough to bear for everyone involved, especially amid all the other hardships caused by a global pandemic. Fortunately, with a few additional precautions, both organizations agreed to resume programming over this past summer. Programs have been full speed ahead ever since.
Emily Triolo, Activity Director at The Village at Anthony Boulevard, explains just what that means to residents and members at LLV: “When our residents hear the children coming to visit, shouting “Grandma! Grandpa!”, you can see the smiles on their faces and feel the warmth in their hearts. Spending time with each other is frequently the “favorite part” of the day for both age groups.”
Stacy Andrews, Director of Children’s Village, shares about the impact of this programming on the youth they serve: “The intergenerational program gives older adults a sense of purpose and helps younger generations have a great respect for and value of older adults. This helps keep stories and history alive within children and the greater community. The benefits to children of a close, long-term connection with older adults is essential.”
Intergenerational programming takes place nearly every day at Anthony Boulevard, and there are many collaborative events that take place throughout the year. Next up is LLV’s annual Trunk or Treat Halloween event, scheduled for Tuesday, October 25th from 5-7pm. Candy will be distributed, and there will be games, entertainment, and food trucks as well! We look forward to a fantastic turnout from Children’s Village, as well as the youth from the surrounding area.
