Time is our most precious gifts, and volunteers freely give of their time and talents—with no expectation of recognition. The Volunteer of the Year Award—Group recognizes a group of volunteers who have made contributions to the quality of life for residents/tenants/clients or family members, or to the working environment for staff.
An incredible group who gives freely of their time & talent!

Jessica Wallin is a 3rd grade teacher, and has been organizing the six 3rd grade teachers and their classes to make field trips to visit memory care residents at the The Wellstead of Rogers & Diamondcrest Senior Living.

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These teachers educate the students on the importance of "staying connected" as a community, respecting their elders, and the art of giving yourself to those who may be sick or lonely. These kids come prepared with books to read and class-made cards that bring such joy and inspiration to our residents! It's these teachers who influence our young children of today to become the impactful adults of tomorrow.

Jessica and the team of teachers have been coming to us for five years. Each year, six new classrooms of 3rd graders choose US to make as their field trips! Jessica’s desire to educate on the importance of bonding, respecting senior citizens, and being there to help those in greater need than oneself is what brought her to us!

This group of teachers led by Jessica Wallin, bring approximately 100 students a year to us! So all in all, they have taught 500 children—in just our Rogers community:

• the importance of our senior population
• to not be afraid of older people
• when older people can't hear well you speak up with a respectful voice
• they can't see as well, so you help them find a desired color what have you.
• And that when we age, we may "shrienk" a few inches so it's important to help them reach things as we grow strong and tall! :)

They improve the life of our residents as they read stories and cards, assist with crafts, and talk about life! Our residents laugh at the stories, marvel at the homemade cards that express such thoughtfulness, and seek out the opinions of these little people as crafts are being completed! Many of our residents have been teachers so the teacher comes out of them as the children read their books! The residents will have had the children sit closer so they can hear them and due to the compassion and safe atmosphere and trust these kids have in their own teacher, soon the kids are almost on the residents laps! They are talking with excitement and they never want to leave when the time comes. The moments these 3rd graders spend with our residents, leaves our residents with a great sense of purpose and a heart full of joy!

The activities these 3rd graders engage in with our residents are such fulfilling moments! When we announce that "The 3rd graders are coming tomorrow", the residents break out in joy and excitement! Not a one of them wants to sleep in and miss this! Due to Jessica's commitment to our seniors, our residents actually "remember" the 3rd graders! That speaks volumes—as all of our residents have a diagnosis of dementia.

As far as the 3rd graders themselves, they learn so much through this experience with our seniors. in just one hour, their little eyes and hearts have been opened much wider and they depart saying things like "I want to work here someday"!

Not only has Jessica and her team impacted our residents—but they have developed these young students to be a great asset to their generation.