Riley, Mylie, Joseph, Arielle, Hope, and Lara
The Eldercare Storytelling Project: Building Bridges Across Generations
At TomTod Ideas, we believe in the power of connection, creativity, and community.
This year, we’re thrilled to share how one group of middle schoolers has turned a simple idea into a project that brings people together in ways that are both inspiring and unforgettable.
The Eldercare Storytelling Project, funded through a recent grant from ArtsinStark, is connecting Oakwood Middle School 8th graders with senior residents across Stark County, and the impact has already been extraordinary.
Give today to invest in more stories like these
From Spark to Storytelling
The idea for this project took shape during our What If 101 program, where middle schoolers explore their ideas to improve their community.
Riley, Mylie, Joseph, Arielle, Hope, and Lara, then 7th graders, took this challenge to heart, envisioning a way to bring joy, stories, and intergenerational friendships to local senior living communities.
The group applied to an ArtsImpact grant from ArtsinStark before leaving for summer break. Adventure Curator, Rob, learned that the group’s application was accepted in August and assembled the students, now 8th graders, during the Fall Semester in What If You Could where they met weekly to create supply lists, assemble kits, and connect to local senior living centers.
The Eldercare Storytelling Project is funded in part by ArtsinStark.
“I think there are probably grandpas living there without grandchildren to visit them. And some of us don’t have grandpas to visit.”
Why Elder Stories Matter
We’re all enriched by the stories of those who came before us. For middle schoolers, hearing firsthand from seniors about their experiences, wisdom, and perspectives provides invaluable learning that goes far beyond a classroom.
Many senior residents face challenges such as loneliness and social isolation, which have only increased in recent years. This project, however, aims to bring light into their lives, reminding them that they are seen, heard, and valued.
Through games, laughter, and meaningful conversations, both middle school students and seniors are discovering just how much they have in common.
Give today to empower more middle schoolers like these
Ripple Effects
The students and senior residents will connect, play games, and share stories. For residents who want to participate, their stories will be collected, lovingly displayed on their doors, and preserved in a coffee-table book.
This book, available in both physical and digital formats, will be shared throughout Stark County, ensuring these stories are told for years to come.
Give today to invest tomorrow
Thank you End-of-Year Sponsors!
Gold
Silver
Friend of TomTod
Greg and Janet Luntz
Interested in Sponsorship Opportunities?
All photos shown are by Jude Anderson of LovelyInk Creative who is also a Project Mentor for this What If You Could project.
Thank you, Jude!
