UVA’s Adopt-a-Grandparent program creates meaningful connections between university volunteers and Charlottesville seniors.

In an era where intergenerational connections are becoming increasingly rare, University of Virginia students are working to change that through a unique volunteer initiative. Fourth-year biology major Alison Song leads the Adopt-a-Grandparent program, which creates meaningful bonds between UVA students and Charlottesville’s senior community.

The program, operating through Madison House, UVA’s independent volunteer center, currently serves 11 locations throughout the Charlottesville area, with plans to expand to 13 sites next year. Volunteers visit nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, elderly communities, memory care units, and recreation centers to spend time with local seniors. “It’s really rewarding because it allows me to engage with Charlottesville in meaningful and new ways,” Song told UVA Today about her experience leading the program.

Building meaningful connections

Song’s journey with senior care volunteering began during her first year at UVA when she discovered the program through The Heritage Inn Assisted Living and Memory Care. “After I began volunteering there, I quickly formed a close connection with one of the residents, who always had colorful stories to tell and gave me encouragement to pursue my goals. Chatting with her became the highlight of my week,” she shared.

The impact of these relationships extends both ways. Charlottesville resident Susan Pribble, who participates in the program at the Jefferson Area Board for Aging (JABA), expressed her appreciation for the intergenerational interaction, noting, “It’s a fun opportunity to engage with the UVA kids.” The program structure varies by location—some sites pair students with specific residents for regular check-ins, while others organize more structured group activities.

The program’s future

As the program continues to develop, it creates valuable volunteer leadership opportunities for students interested in healthcare, gerontology, and community service. With a planned expansion to 13 sites next year, the initiative will further strengthen the bridge between UVA’s campus and Charlottesville’s senior community, fostering connections that enrich both groups and help students develop a deeper appreciation for the city they call home during their university years. As third-year student Jackie Powers prepares to take on a program director role at The Colonnades next year, she will continue the program’s mission of fostering intergenerational connections throughout the community.

This article may have been created with the assistance of AI.