Seniors and children connect as Grand-friends

Grand-friends is a new concept behind a project between Friends School Haverford and Brandywine Senior Living. The hope is to close the gap between the generations.

The children from Friends School Haverford eagerly make the hike to Brandywine Senior Living once a month. The kids are just 3-years-old. Some of the seniors are in their 90s.

Meredith Woods, Program Founder said, "I really can't tell you who gets more enjoyment out of it, whether it's the seniors or the nursery school children. The children are learning empathy and respect and self-control."

The seniors and children draw, read and shape clay together.

Ninety-two-year-old Julius Golden is a Brandywine resident.

"I love them. This is the perfect age, whatever it is," he said.

Brandywine resident 88-year-old Shirley Walthew said, "It's just wonderful, especially holding that little one this morning."

The boost to morale is evident, but there are other benefits to the residents.

Chuck Niccolls is the Activities Director of Brandywine Senior Living.

He said, "This makes their day. They are doing modeling with some clays and things like that, helps them with their dexterity."

This mutual love affair is something each group treasures.

Niccolls said, "They really look forward to it and every month they want to know which day the young people from Haverford Friends are coming."

Woods adds, "Every morning they ask me in the classroom, 'are we going to see our grandfriends today?'"

***(SPACE TO SEPARATE AD)***

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