Vitalia Active Adult Community – North Olmsted to Celebrate Back-to-School Season

At Vitalia Active Adult Community – North Olmsted, we are always excited to celebrate the Back-to-School season! Partnering with local schools is typically a year-long effort, but there is a special focus on the time when most students are heading back to the classroom- whether in person or virtually. Our residents find it easy to relate to school outreach efforts as many of them can recall a time when they returned to school as well.

Fostering these relationships helps build a sense of community among students, teachers, residents, and staff. There are plenty of advantages to intergenerational activities- such as decreasing the social and economic isolation so many seniors feel. Research has shown that seniors’ health, memory, and balance can benefit from volunteering regularly with children. Not only do these relationships benefit the older generations, but also the younger ones as well. Studies have also shown that children who interact with elders are less likely than others to start illegal drug use, will more likely have improved communication with their parents, and are less likely to experience depression. Lastly, these experiences can create timeless memories for both the seniors and children involved, such as making a new friend, trying a new game or activity, or listening to stories of each other’s life.

We have partnered with the local elementary school previously. This year we plan to broaden our reach as our community grows. We will be working with the school’s communication coordinator to identify areas of greatest need and gather general school supplies to donate.  

There are so many items which teachers are always in need of, but by acquiring their specific lists we can share with our residents which items are the highest priority. The lists will be posted as suggestions of things to donate. We will pass on the donated items to school administrators to distribute.

We will share the lists with our family connections by posting on social media. Printed wish lists will also be shared with residents and reviewed at Town Hall. Staff are encouraged to contribute as well. If anyone chooses to donate cash, Resident Services will convert the money into items of highest need. Staff and residents will drop off the donations prior to the beginning of school.

I have connected with the high school principal to coordinate a time when our residents can show up at a “back to school event” to support and encourage the students as they begin their new school year. We will be attending Freshman orientation. 

Vitalia Active Adult Community – North Olmsted will continue to show their support in a lot of different ways this Back-to-School season and throughout the school year.