Kindergarteners and Seniors Enjoy Activities Together at Rose of Mary Terrace

Something special happens when seniors and young children get together. Even when not related, the youngsters are curious, and the elders marvel. The shyest five-year-old will warm up to the encouragement of a gentle older person who has already seen so much of life, and after a half hour or so, they often become the best of friends.

That happened earlier this month when a group of kindergarteners and first graders from neighboring Christ the Teacher School visited the residents of Rose of Mary Terrace, an affordable senior living complex owned and managed through Catholic Charities Housing Services.

“It was the sweetest thing to watch,” says Alexis Ibarra, Resident Services Program Specialist at Catholic Charities in Yakima. “The kids brought their coloring sheets, crayons, markers, and even cookies and juice to share, and our residents loved it! The kids had a blast, too! Seeing them all interact, chat, and color together was so special. It was a simple activity, but it really lit up the room!”

Catholic Charities Housing Services builds affordable, quality, multi-family rental housing to serve low-income Central Washington individuals and families, as well as affordable rental housing for low-income seniors 62 years of age and older. For more information, click here.