Teens, seniors take Time to Talk through LCSNW Santa for Seniors program

Middle school students and seniors are spending time together and getting to know each other through a new program from Tacoma-based Santa for Seniors.

The new program is called Time to Talk and it matches middle school students from Annie Wright Schools with clients served by Santa for Seniors’ year-round program focused on reducing isolation for seniors. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, social isolation can increase a person’s risk of dementia by 60%.

“We want to start in our local communities to help to build societal change toward having no seniors who are isolated and alone,” said Susan Nocella, Director of Santa for Seniors, which is part of LCSNW’s Greater Puget Sound District. “Intergenerational activities are one of the best ways to do that.”

Annie Wright Schools, a private campus in Tacoma, approached Santa for Seniors looking for additional service opportunities for students. The partnership quickly blossomed beyond both groups’ expectations.

The Time to Talk curriculum is developed in conjunction with Santa for Seniors based on what students are studying in school. For example, students talked with seniors about their belief systems and immigration when they were studying those topics.

Students can stay with Time to Talk as they move through their grade levels. Students who spent time with seniors while in 6th grade are now reconnecting as 7th graders to build long-term friendships. Annie Wright 8th graders also help out at Santa for Seniors gift bag assembly work parties throughout the year.

The curriculum can be customized for any grade level. Susan hopes to develop a Time to Talk kit that can be shared with school districts around the country.

Santa for Seniors is growing nationwide thanks to a $15 million grant from The William A. Looney Family Foundation awarded to LCSNW in 2022. Recently the program has announced new partners in Minnesota and Alaska. Last year they expanded their gift bag distributions to several new sites in Oregon, with plans to begin them this year in Bellingham, Washington.

To contact the Santa for Seniors team, call 253-722-5684.