Yale First-Year Students from Dwight Hall recently spent a day at Chatham Place at Mary Wade, engaging with residents through a variety of fun and meaningful activities. Together, they enjoyed sports, leisure trivia, manicures, bingo, and “fun facts” sessions that sparked plenty of laughter and conversation.

The students also gathered themed printouts and framed them for the upcoming Family Fun Festival, adding a creative and personal touch. In preparation for Senior Day at Yale, the volunteers joined residents to create colorful poster boards and cheer on the Yale Girls Soccer ⚽️ Team with garden-side shout-outs for a big win!

One musically talented student delighted everyone with a cheerful “Happy Birthday” tune 🎵 for resident Natalie, while Howard Foster lifted spirits with a heartfelt song. The day wrapped up with an inspiring exchange of stories—students shared their future career paths, while residents reflected on their own life journeys and experiences.

This collaboration is part of an ongoing effort to strengthen intergenerational connections, fostering mutual understanding and empathy between young adults and older adults. By engaging across generations, both students and residents help to break down ageism barriers, promote social inclusion, and create a sense of belonging within the broader community. Programs like this highlight how shared experiences—whether through art, music, or conversation—can build bridges, celebrate wisdom, and nurture lifelong respect between generations.

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