High school students, supervised by retired business people, attend the residences of senior citizens during summer months to provide free assistance with odd jobs around their homes. The project gets youth involved in their communities, provides support to seniors and offers valuable work skills to the youth.
The students are divided into teams of three and matched with a retired volunteer, experienced in the related work area. These teams are made available in two-hour shifts to attend the residences of senior citizens requiring work tasks completed around their homes. This is a free service to the seniors.
Local seniors' associations and business communities donate all materials, work tools and related equipment for the project. The youth are transported to the work sites in donated vehicles driven by volunteers.
Beyond the work to be completed this summer, the real benefit is in providing the youth with real work experience, giving them a chance to know the seniors in their community and to provide opportunities for partnerships to grow and develop. Most importantly, it develops a sense of community, commitment, and support.
