A High School Student and Her Service Dog Are Helping Seniors

One Walpole high school student has a different way of spending her free time. Katie and her lovely service dog Rosie have been volunteering at New Pond Village, a Walpole senior living community. The residents have enjoyed several hours spent with the memorable duo. On Tuesday, April 16, Katie will volunteer at the community and host an art program with the residents.

There are clear gains for all in society when older and younger people are able to mix together as equals and become aware of their similarities rather than differences. According to a recent study, there is deep interest in intergenerational interaction.

The community is in the planning phase of developing an intergenerational volunteer program for the entire school where students will come to the community and share their artistic, musical and recreational abilities with our residents.

"We've already seen the benefits of bringing together younger and older generations," said Adam Manchester, executive director at New Pond Village. "We look forward to further developing the intergenerational volunteer program with students from the local high school."