St. Vincent de Paul students offer intergenerational love

By The Intermountain Catholic (December 25, 2015)

SALT LAKE CITY — Saint Vincent de Paul Parish School students make monthly visits to three care centers: Paramount Health and Rehabilitation, Cottonwood Creek Assisted Living and Sunrise Senior Living.  Students have made these visits to Paramount and Cottonwood Creek for the last nine years, while the relationship with Sunrise began last year. Activities that students enjoy with the residents include sharing stories, discussing current events, playing games, and making crafts.

Throughout the years, the students have done special projects such as playing balloon volleyball with the residents to help them prepare for a tournament, performing in talent shows, having a Valentine’s Day dance, and most recently, walking with them as part of the “Go4Life” health program. At Christmas time, students sing carols with the residents.

Because the middle school students visit the same care center from year to year, they are better able to develop strong relationships with the residents.

“When doing service consistently within one community, you are building strong relationships, not just checking a box,” said Sarah Lambert, St. Vincent de Paul School vice principal.

The visits to the care center help link the students to St. Vincent de Paul’s charism of service, and provide students an opportunity to give back to the community in thanksgiving for their many blessings.

Sunrise Senior Living Executive Director George Wright expressed his admiration for the St. Vincent students.

“Those were the most impressive children,” he said. “My residents enjoyed the experience so much and the children were so kind and loving in their interactions with the seniors.”

Photo courtesy of Saint Vincent de Paul School