One of the things Varina and I have been called to do is to resurrect Project SeniorConnect. In 2020, we were moved by the level of isolation seniors were experiencing during the pandemic. Many older adults were suddenly cut off from family, community and everyday human connection. In response, we created SeniorConnect and partnered with UH Enactus Business School, Interfaith Ministries, the YMCA, Post Oak School, and others to pair high school and college students with seniors who were feeling isolated.

These weekly connections became meaningful for everyone involved. The seniors felt seen and supported, and the students benefited just as much — building empathy, ​communication skills and a sense of purpose. They loved the experience.

We paused the program when we moved to Guatemala. Recently, a parent of two students who participated in SeniorConnect in 2021 — who also happens to be the president of the National Charity League — has reached out four times this year. That helped us realize this is the perfect time to reopen our intergenerational community program.

If you’re interested in participating as an adult senior (or know someone who is), or if you know a student who would like to connect with an adult senior by phone for 30 minutes a week, you can apply here.