Join The Community

April 23, 2019

Volunteer Opportunity - Art with Elders


Volunteer Opportunity: Art with Elders The chance to develop meaningful, genuine relationships with elders – it’ll give you goosebumps

Info:
Tuesdays, 12:10 – 1:30, 8 weekly sessions
 At Kavod Senior Life
 No art experience necessary

Goal: Build bridges across age and cognitive barriers through art.

Overview: In a classroom setting, student volunteers will work one-on-one with elders, many living with dementia, to create failure-free abstract art. The volunteer is partnered with the same elder each week, and is meant to be supportive while empowering their elder to be as independent and creative as possible.

Volunteers do not need to have art experience or proficiency, just the ability to be patient, non-judgmental, positive and flexible. Training will be provided to better equip and prepare volunteers to support our seniors. In order to establish a meaningful connection with the elders, volunteers are asked to reliably attend each Tuesday. The course will culminate in an art show with food and drinks to celebrate our incredible accomplishments!

The program is called Opening Minds through Art – OMA. To learn more (and experience the goosebumps), please visit their website and watch the video on the homepage.

Impact:
The program is proven to overwhelmingly increase the well-being of residents, as well as promote a positive lasting impact on volunteers. More research here.
 “It makes me feel bright, happy” – OMA elder artist
“When I realize what I can do, I’m besides myself” – OMA elder artist

Contact Information: Please reach out to Grace Trautman if you are interested or have any questions. Email: gtrautman@kavodseniorlife.org Phone: 720-382-7839