SHARE PROGRAM UNITES YOUNG, OLD

For the third straight year, residents of Jackson Manor are receiving weekly visits from Jackson Middle School students.

The SHARE (Students Helping, Aiding, Reaching the Elderly) Program, was cooperatively developed by Jackson Manor and the middle school, to give residents and youth a chance to interact.

Seventh-grade teacher Donna Brown sends two students each week from her life-skills class. They are encouraged to report back to their classmates about the experience.

"My grandmother works at a nursing home, so I'm used to going with her," said Heather Armstrong. That familiarity with the aging process is helpful for students, but certainly not required.

"I'd never been to one," said Armstrong's partner, Crystal Reisenbichler. "I was kind of nervous at first."

Feeling at ease among the residents usually doesn't take long. Students interact with residents, playing cards or checkers, doing finger nails, etc., for residents who wish to participate in the program. The students are supervised by Roxann Smith, program coordinator.

"Our goal is to educate students about the process of aging," Smith said. "We hope it will quell some of the fears and concerns students have about coming to nursing homes."

Students walk from the nearby middle school each Tuesday and receive a brief orientation on the aging process. They also have lunch with residents.

"The whole class does it, but it's voluntary," Armstrong said. "We wanted to go so we volunteered. I thought it would be neat to help out."

"I thought it would be fun," Reisenbichler agreed.

Of course the program is positive for the residents, as well.

"Many of the residents here have grandchildren and great grandchildren," Smith said. "Some don't have a chance to see them more often than every few months. It always puts a smile on their face."

"We are grateful for Donna Brown, the students and parents, Roxann Smith and the Jackson Middle School for helping with this worthwhile intergenerational program," said Dave Walker, administrator.

The program began two years ago as a one-time event, but quickly caught on. The only concern Smith has is that boys have been slow to respond.

"We've had very few boys so far," she said. "That's the only thing that's been unusual. The kids always do a real good job, playing cards or checkers, passing ice water or doing finger nails. The ladies really like having their nails done."

At the end of the year, Jackson manor will host a SHARE appreciation pizza party.