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On a sunny afternoon in June, laughter and chatter echoed across the Lumberton Middle School lawn as fifth graders and The Roosevelt senior residents met face-to-face for the first time after weeks of heartfelt virtual visits.
The first-ever intergenerational picnic, part of Samaritan’s Social Connections Initiative, marked more than just the end of a program. It celebrated the connection between students and seniors that had been formed through weekly Zoom calls filled with storytelling, TikTok dances, and show-and-tell moments. The energy and excitement of finally meeting in person–and the genuine warmth exchanged–was so heartwarming,
The initiative itself grew from a SILCC (Social Isolation, Loneliness and Connection Collaborative) meeting, where three subcommittees focused on: fostering mutual understanding and respect, enhancing social connections, and promoting lifelong learning. This intergenerational program embodied all three.
The idea behind the Social Connections Initiative was simple: respond to the rise in social isolation—especially post-COVID—by creating spaces for human connection. Erika Thomas, MPA, the Director of Social Connections, who leads the initiative, said the program was “a call to action for communities and organizations to find creative ways to reconnect people across generations.” Programs like this support Samaritan’s mission to enhance quality of life as well as the well-being of the community.
Through four themed virtual visits in April and May—ranging from “Two Truths and a Lie” icebreakers to intergenerational dance-offs—the students and residents developed a sincere, mutual appreciation for one another’s lives and perspectives. These weekly conversations provided seniors with companionship, while giving students an opportunity to listen and connect, and in turn, building a bond that transcended screens.
On June 13th, as the residents and students arrived at the pavilion, the buzz of excitement from the students and residents was undeniable. Pizza, fresh salad, wings, and ice-cold lemonade brought everyone together.
Thomas led collaborative art projects, bracelet making, and lawn activities. Students proudly showed off the dances, paintings, and bracelets–as did the seniors. “This program has served to build relationships and foster positive interactions between older adults and school age children that helps to dismantle the stereotypes and the misconceptions that generations may have about each other,” shared Marilyn Mock, MSW Department Head, Fairshare Housing Development.
For the seniors and students, the program opened the door to meaningful bonds. For the community, it planted seeds of understanding, kindness, and lifelong learning.
Reflecting on the program, Emily Kotarski, MSW from the Roosevelt, said, “This has been an uplifting shared experience. My residents have left every meeting with a smile and a new spark of energy that has been a direct result of the positive energy shown by the students!”
This picnic may have marked the end of the school year, but it also marked the beginning of something much bigger–a reminder that friendship and connection have no age limit. Programs like these show how intergenerational relationships can build empathy and understanding, reduce isolation and loneliness, foster lifelong learning and respect, and create ripple effects across families, schools, and neighborhoods.
In a time when many feel more disconnected than ever, this initiative proves that sometimes all it takes is a picnic table, a shared story, and a little food to bring people together.