Reading, MA —Two Reading High School students are making a difference among seniors with cognitive decline through their volunteer work at The Residence at Pearl Street.
Abigail Howie and Ella Dong have been volunteering at the Reflections Memory Care Neighborhood within The Residence at Pearl Street for the past six months. They started a club called “Bridging Generations” at their high school three years ago, first volunteering at the Wilmington Senior Center. The pair now holds monthly events at The Residence at Pearl Street.
Throughout their time volunteering, they’ve raised money to create memory bags to give to the seniors in the Reflections Memory Care Neighborhood, with the help of the residents in Assisted Living, creating a special intergenerational bond. The bags included classic snacks, stuffed animals for comfort, and activity books such as crossword puzzles for cognitive stimulation.
“The Wilmington Senior Center is where we first felt a connection to senior care, but we wanted to build on that,” Howie said.
Her passion for helping those with cognitive decline is personal.
“My grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s recently. I wanted to find a way to make a difference for people with the disease,” she said. “Completing this project and delivering the bags meant a lot to us. Ella and I formed strong connections with the residents and quickly realized that simply showing up to talk to them has a lasting impression.”
Beverly Curry, Resident Engagement Director at The Residence at Pearl Street, said that impression is clear from the smiles on the residents’ faces.
“These are two special young ladies with compassionate hearts. They’ve made a huge difference in our community,” said Curry.
