Students, seniors link in Delmar

The students and residents enjoy several common activities, including a talent show, cookie-baking and making decorations for the residents' apartment doors.

In addition, Eloise Paddock, a Marie Rose Manor resident who is a retired teacher, comes to St. Thomas for three hours every Friday to work one-on-one with children who need extra help.

All involved

Faculty members have designed a schedule that allows students to be at Marie Rose Manor for activities. (The complex is operated by DePaul Housing Management, a division of Albany diocesan Catholic Charities.) Parents drive the students and Ms. Paddock between the two locations as needed.

Maureen Bernstein, whose children are in second and fifth grade at St. Thomas, said, "Education is something that doesn't have walls." Through the partnership, residents and students are "doing what our faith teaches us to do: to serve others in the community."

Linkages

It is "a wonderful opportunity for young people to interact with people with a lively spirit," said Ms. O'Brien. The students get "a good image of what aging is"; for the seniors, it is a "great opportunity to share their knowledge and experience with young people."

Many ideas are under consideration to build on the program, including having students visit the apartments to teach residents how to use e-mail.

More to come

Ms. O'Brien hopes this natural partnership can be expanded in the future to include additional activities and interaction.

"I had a strong and valuable relationship with my own grandmother that influenced me greatly," said Sister Maureen Joyce, CEO of Catholic Charities. "I think it is terrific that Catholic Charities can be a part of helping seniors share their legacy with young people in Catholic schools. We look forward to the possibility of expanding the Marie Rose-St. Thomas model to other sites."

(Editor's note: Marie Rose Manor senior apartments offer an affordable alternative for individuals whose annual income is not higher than $19,450, or couples whose income does not exceed $22,200 per year. For more information, contact DePaul Housing Management at 459-0183.)

(06-27-02) [[In-content Ad]]