色香视频

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Closing the Gap

Projects allow students and alumni to connect with local seniors

It can be easy to feel lonely while social distancing and observing stay-at-home recommendations, especially if you鈥檙e a senior citizen. But, for local elders, 色香视频 students and recent graduates are here to forge connections.

色香视频's Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice is partnering with the Town of Bridgewater鈥檚 Senior Center on two intergenerational initiatives that foster safe socialization. In one, volunteers become seniors鈥 pen pals. The other focuses on capturing elders鈥 stories of their youth.

鈥淚 know a lot of seniors are especially affected by what鈥檚 going on right now,鈥 said participant Heather McKenna, 鈥20, who recently earned a social work degree. 鈥淎ny form of community is very important.鈥

色香视频 and town staff had discussed partnering before the pandemic hit. But, the efforts take on new importance now.

鈥淚t really shows, even with everything going on, you can make a difference in someone鈥檚 life,鈥 said Nick Jordan, 鈥20, who majored in communication studies.

Jordan and McKenna are among more than two dozen students and alumni serving as seniors鈥 newest pen pals. They are also part of a smaller group of paid interns working on the Reunion Project, which Massachusetts photographer Lora Brody launched to record seniors鈥 stories. Their memories and portraits will be displayed this fall.

鈥淲e knew our students were eager to stay connected to service and the community and give back,鈥 said Laura Mulvey, G鈥18, program manager in the Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice.

Seniors are excited to share their stories, especially with young people who are eager to listen and learn from them.

鈥淭hey really do enjoy being around youth and teaching us. They enjoy sharing their wisdom,鈥 said Emily Williams, the town鈥檚 elder affairs director. 鈥淭his is great to have the two generations interact. They can learn from each other.鈥

The projects are perfect for McKenna and Jordan, who during their time as students participated in service activities and trips and conducted interviews on their WBIM radio show.

鈥淚t combines the things I loved throughout my four years at 色香视频,鈥 said Jordan. 鈥淭o have this opportunity to get to know all these seniors is really cool.鈥

Added McKenna: 鈥淚t gives me a sense of purpose as well.鈥

Do you have a 色香视频 story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.