Twenty-five high school students gathered at Village Shalom Senior Living Community to paint with residents as part of KCteen’s Bagels+Art Get-together.
The event took place on Jan. 15 with the goal of bringing joy and excitement to Village Shalom residents.
The teens teamed up with the residents to paint starry night skies, and all enjoyed bagels.
“Village Shalom is grateful to have been chosen by KCteen as beneficiary of their volunteerism and kindness,” said Lorena Williams, director of resident life at Village Shalom. “The intergenerational program was just perfect — music, a group art project, lox and bagels and lots of smiles and laughter. I hope to continue this relationship with KCteen, as it is a true benefit to our residents.”
KCteen is the local Chabad-run youth organization and is led by Rabbi Avremi and Mushky Baron. They spearheaded this event with the intent to provide an opportunity for seniors and teens to engage with one another in a meaningful and therapeutic activity, promoting both creativity and camaraderie between the older and younger generations.
Helping guide participants through the process was Sherri Jacobs, an art therapist and parent of two of the teens engaged in the program. Jacobs worked as an art therapist at Village Shalom for 17 years and currently runs her private practice, Heartland Art Therapy. She made the painting accessible to all with step-by-step instructions.
A majority of the residents completed their paintings, but some were too busy conversing with the teens to focus on painting.
“I love creating intergenerational programs and shared creative experiences,” Jacobs said. “Participants seemed so happy to socialize with one another and meet new people. Many participants requested more intergenerational encounters in the future. I did notice that people were so busy painting and hanging out, they didn’t even take their phones out.”
When asked what she liked best about the event, Judy Jacobs, one of the senior attendees, said, “I loved the way it included all who wanted to participate and gave Village Shalom residents the freedom to create art at their own level. The intergenerational aspects and mingling of the general community with Village Shalom residents was a terrific experience for all.”
More information about KCteen is available at kcjewishteens.org.