EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY.

EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY. It’s a new school year and that means Eskaton Kids Connection students are buddying up with residents in Eskaton’s communities throughout Northern California. More than 500 pairings in 17 locations -- including older adults in independent living, affordable apartments, assisted living, care centers and memory care.

"The children are so excited,” explains teacher
Bobbi Donovan, one of the program’s co-founders. "Yesterday we rehearsed our songs and packed our buddy bags with art supplies and crafty presents in anticipation of meeting our new friends at ’Eksaton.’ It was like the day before Christmas for the kids.”

Remarkably, the events of the day, the initial connections of the intergenerational pairs, always exceed the hype.

A magnetic field seems to draw the buddies together in the community’s common living room. Within moments of being introduced, the kids are reading to their older adult buddies, presenting them with art projects, answering questions and telling stories.

As the passel of 30 first graders respectfully maneuver around, over and under wheelchairs and walkers, the older adults (in their 80s, 90s and 100s) clearly appreciate the youngsters’ familiarity and close proximity. The closer the kids snuggle, the easier it is to hear and see the joy they bring to the community today.