Project Facts:
Community-Based Organization
Partner: Aberdeen Senior Center
Education Partner: Central
High School
Class/Organization: Social
Studies
Project Contacts:
Barb Gehrts, CHS
teacher
Dave Osborn, Senior Center
Director
Project Snapshot:
Type of Service: Direct
Service
Needs Met/Impact Made:
One of the fundamental needs met through this service-learning project was the creation of a successful intergenerational activity. Osborn said that many senior citizens are either intimidated or scared of young people and that there are many misconceptions in this "generation gap." He hopes to turn this attitude around through intergenerational activities. "We have tried and tried to accomplish this before, and this is one of the best, most favorable activities we have had," he said.
The students were studying WWII and interviewed seniors about their lives during that era. Senior Center Director Dave Osborn, said the two service-learning projects had a tremendous impact on the self-esteem of its clients and is anxious to pursue more service-learning activities. One measure of success can be seen in senior participation in the projects. During the first project, each senior was paired with two to three students. Due to the success of the first intergenerational project, during the second project the senior turnout doubled making it necessary to pair two to three seniors with one student.
"Those two service-learning programs with the history classes seemed to really bring out the seniors. We have tried and tried to boost participation in programs, but this really worked. There were many who wanted to share their history, experiences and knowledge. So many [seniors] that we haven't been able to bring out [to the Center], came out for this project. There has been a major impact on some of the seniors. One man in particular was really brought out of his shell. It was a real self-esteem building experience for them," said Osborn.
Osborn indicted that another positive result is that the seniors who participated in the service-learning projects have increased their level of participation in other Senior Center programs. He also indicated that, based on the success of the Service-Learning Project, the Senior Center included a first-time "sharing time" at their 45-minute Veteran's Day Program. The result was a two and one half hour program of sharing life experiences.
In his review of the Aberdeen Service Learning Center program and staff Osborn said, "We really do appreciate your program. You have really made a difference in people's lives, and that is what we are all about. This has been personally uplifting for a lot of seniors. There are many more intergenerational projects that could happen, and the seniors are looking forward to them. This was a win-win situation for all of us."
(Information received from phone conversations and personal interview)
Connecting students, classrooms and community |
