VCU news

By Haley Tenore

Virginia Commonwealth University students spent part of Halloween in “treat” mode for the Richmond community: They made a creative connection with local senior citizens.

As part of the second annual Transformative Learning Week, which is hosted by the Institute of Transformative Learning at VCU, the students created fall-themed greetings for seniors living in Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority properties. The Cards for Seniors event was held at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, which is part of VCU’s Division of Community Engagement.

“It’s small, but it’s also something that can make someone’s day and make them smile,” social work student Ari Cheeks said. “It’s just something nice because I like writing cards and little affirmations” 

In addition to students who were fulfilling community service hours, many participants were part of the Advanced Certificate in Youth Development Management program, which is managed by the youth center and supports workforce development. This three-semester program develops skills for professionals and VCU students who might serve as caregivers, mentors, teachers, health care providers, youth program leaders and other roles.

In this fall’s cohort, “essentially, it is a group of about 20 of us that work in youth development spaces,” said Tasha Moore, a VCU alum and youth development professional in the certificate program. “Every week, we are learning something about how to work with youth in a better way.”

That includes multigenerational efforts. RRHA offers housing to vulnerable populations, including seniors, low-income residents and individuals with disabilities. Some of its housing developments are dedicated to seniors, and the greeting cards from the recent event were earmarked for residents.

VCU students weren’t the only younger generation participating in Cards for Seniors. Students from Orchard House Middle School, a girls school in the Fan District, joined as well.

“OHMS is glad to be included in an opportunity to show care and empathy for seniors in our area,” Head of School Laura Haskins said. “As a city school, we value making meaningful connections with our community, both as a way for our students to learn about themselves and the world and to serve others.”

Fall isn’t the only season that the Mary and Frances Youth Center hosts a Cards for Seniors gathering. In February, participants spread the love by creating Valentine’s Day greetings for RRHA seniors.