Recently, we had 12 of our residents visit Jefferson High School for a unique and engaging intergenerational event. The students, part of the school's remarkable B.I.O.N.I.C. team, teamed up with our residents to create beautiful mason jar flower vases, sharing laughter and stories as they worked together.
For those unfamiliar with B.I.O.N.I.C. (which stands for Believe It Or Not I Care), it's an inspiring student-led initiative started in 2004 aimed at creating caring and supportive school environments. B.I.O.N.I.C. teams work tirelessly to prevent bullying and suicides by reaching out to students going through challenging times. Their philosophy is simple yet powerful: let struggling peers know they are seen, they matter, and they are not alone. They are real-life heroes, making a difference in their community every day.
During our event, our residents were deeply touched by the compassion and understanding shown by these young individuals. It was a joy to watch connections being made, stories shared, and lives touched. The creation of the mason jar flower vases was not just a craft activity but a testament to the beautiful bond that was being formed between the young and the old.
I'm thrilled to announce that the event was so inspiring that 9News decided to feature it!
The success of this event has reiterated my belief in the power of intergenerational connections. They have the potential to enrich lives, foster mutual respect, and create an environment of understanding and empathy. The students not only offered our residents a refreshing perspective, but they also gained valuable wisdom from our residents' life experiences.
The B.I.O.N.I.C. team's work has set an excellent example for other communities and we, at Gardens on Quail, are incredibly grateful to have been a part of it. It's been a heartwarming experience to witness our residents and these young students connect and grow together. We look forward to more such enriching interactions in the future.
With warm regards,
Leigh
