Keystone Villa at Douglassville residents take part in Adopt a Grandparent program
Berks Christian School fourth- and fifth-grade students finished their service-learning project with personal care residents at Keystone Villa at Douglassville.
During the service-learning project, the students worked with their adopted grandparents on interviewing, editing and writing skills to create a biography on the resident’s life.
The Adopt a Grandparent program ran from March to May and included weekly visits to the retirement community, where students paired with residents to interview them about their lives to create a biography.
Fourth-grader Jason B., who loves to do word searches, was surprised when he learned that his adopted grandparent, Chris Jones, also enjoyed the activity.
As part of the curriculum, students presented to the group a portion of their writing, which featured anecdotes from the residents’ childhood through adulthood that resonated with sentiments of the importance of family relationships and faith.
Students also gifted a bound copy of their biographies, potted flower and personalized coaster to their adopted grandparents before ending the day with a buffet-style lunch.
“When you think about it, it’s just 10 visits, but the bond they formed in that time is amazing,” said Resident Life Director Kim Haas.
It was the first time Keystone Villa residents participated in the program, now in its sixth year.
Resident Tom Mauger thought the program was well organized and would participate again, if it returned next year. He enjoyed spending time and getting to know his adopted grandchild, Micah.
“Their ability to listen to a story from the past and take heart and ask questions and really just become a part of somebody they didn’t know, become a part of their life was transforming for them,” teacher Susan Busher said.
The group formed candid relationships and eagerly looked forward to the next visit. The program’s end proved bittersweet for students and residents.
“They would be here every day if it was up to them,” Busher said. “They love the interaction they get with (the residents) and the conversations and playing games and learning about the past is interesting to a lot of them. It’s been foundational for these kids.”
Fifth-grader Shai R. admired her adopted grandparent, Laura Black, for her pleasant attitude.
“Laura never got angry,” Shai said. “She always liked to color with me, and she was fun.”
When asked what she took away from the experience, Shai said, “Everything you have you can depend on in family and Jesus.”
About Keystone Villa at Douglassville: Keystone Villa at Douglassville’s personal care and memory care community offers spacious studios and one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartments. There are no buy-in fees or hidden costs, and the apartments are leased on an affordable month-to-month basis. Keystone Villa personal care and memory care services include medication management, activities program, including structured programs to support residents with memory impairment, use of community amenities, and transportation to medical appointments and group outings. For more info, call 610-385-5002 or visit www.keystonevillaatdouglassville.com.
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