Engaging Senior Citizens: Shrub Oak International School's Unique Community Initiative

Bridging Generations: Shrub Oak International School's Commitment to Seniors

In a heartfelt initiative, Shrub Oak International School has taken meaningful steps to connect its students with senior citizens in the local community. Through collaboration with the Mahopac Chapter of GlamourGals, the school emphasizes the importance of empathy, communication, and social responsibility among its students.

Senior Outreach Program

The outreach program includes visits to prominent senior facilities such as the Kohler Senior Center in Mahopac and the Salem Hills Rehabilitation Nursing Center in Purdys, NY. These visits are structured to allow students to engage genuinely with older adults, ensuring that each interaction is meaningful and impactful. Cynthia Colbrook, Recreational Coordinator at the school, leads the outreach efforts, drawing from over a decade of experience in intergenerational volunteer programming.

"I've been guiding the Mahopac High School GlamourGals chapter for the last twelve years," Colbrook explained. "I’ve witnessed firsthand how personal connections can significantly uplift a senior’s spirits. Here at Shrub Oak, we aim to cultivate communication and relationship skills in a way that feels authentic and supportive for our students."

Kindness Cards: A Personal Touch

One prominent project in this outreach is the creation of Kindness Cards. These cards, crafted by students, are filled with handwritten notes, drawings, and original artwork intended to spread joy and encouragement to seniors, many of whom experience isolation. This initiative is not merely about performing acts of service; it's about providing learning experiences that are socially meaningful for students of all abilities.

By crafting Kindness Cards, students are given a platform to engage with the community meaningfully. The project aligns with the school's therapeutic mission for its autistic students, where building social connections is a vital aspect of growth and learning.

The Importance of Empathy and Community Engagement

As students participate in structured, supportive interactions, they cultivate perspectives on the impact of isolation across different stages of life. This approach enables them to practice essential skills such as perspective-taking and expressive communication. Colbrook emphasizes the broader significance of this outreach, stating, "By reinforcing the notion of service as an ongoing responsibility, we encourage our students to actively participate in their communities beyond the classroom walls."

A New Chapter for the Future

The collaboration with GlamourGals reflects a significant commitment to intergenerational relationships and community dynamics at Shrub Oak International School. As students continue to build these connections, they develop empathy and awareness of the needs of others in their community. Long-term, this initiative not only enriches the lives of seniors but also fosters a greater understanding among young people of the value of social responsibility. The program stands out as a stellar model for how education can extend far beyond textbooks and classrooms, focusing instead on forging lasting human connections.

The outreach efforts will persist as a core focus of the school, underscoring the powerful impact that thoughtful community engagement can have on both seniors and aspiring students alike. For more information about Shrub Oak International School's initiatives and their innovative methods in education for autistic children and adolescents, visit www.shruboak.org.

About Shrub Oak International School

Shrub Oak International School’s mission is centered around enhancing the lives of children, adolescents, and young adults with autism through individualized learning that capitalizes on their strengths and passions.
Located on campus, The Pines at Shrub Oak provides specialized therapeutic programs that cater to neurodiverse youth requiring intensive psychiatric support, underscoring the institution's commitment to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment.