Click here to view photogallery. Did you know that Oasis of Hope offers a program for senior citizens that operates Monday-Friday 8:30am-1:00pm out of the Bickford Community Center every week?  It's just one of the many ministries that are reaching out to individuals and families in this North Memphis neighborhood.  Over the past five years the Hope Home-schoolers have teamed up with these senior's and have formed a very special relationship.

Jennifer Tramble, Oasis of Hope's Senior Coordinator, reports in on what's happening with the Senior's Program offered in the Oasis of Hope neighborhood:

Over the past five years, intergenerational activities between Bickford Seniors and Hope Home-schoolers have been a progressive venture. Hope Home-schoolers participate in various activities with the seniors normally the third Friday of each month from September to May. The activities at the Center foster support and promote dialogue among generations such as, youth serving older adults, and youth and adults working together. A major highlight that sparks excitement among the group young and old is bingo! 

This year Hope Home-schoolers initiated a new project that will involve even more hands-on experience and cultural development.  During each senior's birth month the home-schoolers work closely with them to identify members on their family tree and their family history.  They are gathering information about the seniors' past and present, giving them insight of their origin. This experience will award the youths with a wealth of knowledge of each senior individually.

What an incredible bonding that is happening here between the generations and cultures.  We are so honored to be able to cultivate such a rich experience and look forward to many more years of sponsoring such meetings.