On The Horizon: Patio Pals

By Faye Hedrick Director, Young Professionals & Families

According to Generations United, a national organization that focuses on intergenerational collaboration, two in three Americans would like to spend more time with others outside of their age group. With the goal to bring older and younger generations together, while positively affecting everyone involved, Patio Pals was created. “Knowing the value of intergenerational relationships, Patio Pals is an especially exciting program to be able to help connect our broad Jewish Northeast Florida community with seniors here in town,” asserts Sophie Rothstein, Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida’s Young Professionals & Families’ Strategic Planning Partner.

Intergenerational opportunities help with a greater sense of connection and learning from one another. New friendships formed between generations improve communities. Each individual - young or old - is able to serve as a teacher, a mentor, or even a grandparent/grandchild to someone who may not otherwise have that tie. Intergenerational programming uniquely allows generations to share stories with each other and pass on traditions. These shared stories and traditions allow for a better understanding of lifestyles, both similar to and different from one’s own.

We are so excited to collaborate with our very own River Garden Senior Services on this program. The senior living campus is a not-for-profit, mission-driven agency, serving people of all faiths. The care center and patio apartments are located on a 40-acre campus in the heart of Northeast Florida. River Garden’s environment is supportive of Jewish identity and informed by Jewish values, making it the perfect space to form meaningful friendships bringing generations together. The best way for a loved one to experience these benefits is to simply spend time with others of a different generation. Patio Pals will provide an opportunity if you’re new to the city or missing a grandparent. We’re hoping this program bridges our generations in a fun, no-obligation, make-it-what-you-want kind of way. There are a variety of activities that people of all ages can do together - from a card game, to a recipe to share, to a conversation based on any holiday tradition. We know you don’t all live near your bubbes or bubbelas.

To learn more, or join our pilot program to meet and bond with a senior or young professional here in Northeast Florida, email Faye Hedrick at fayeh@ jewishjacksonville.org or call (904) 512-3797. Your next step will be to fill out a questionnaire. This questionnaire helps match participants to establish the best possible connections. All volunteers will be subject to a background check and asked to sign a waiver.

“We’re excited to welcome Patio Pals to our campus as our newest intergenerational program. Our residents and Coves members will have the opportunity to broaden their social circles as they engage in an exchange between generations. This is mutually beneficial and will result in new friendships. We are grateful to Sophie Rothstein and YPF for initiating this partnership.” - Leslie Held, Director of Jewish Life and Volunteer Services at River Garden Hebrew Home

Focus on Your Healing

When you or a loved one are in need of post-acute care following a planned or unexpected hospital stay, request River Garden for your rehabilitation needs. Our spacious therapy center offers individualized treatment plans delivered by highly skilled specialized therapists whose main priority is helping you regain your best quality of life.

Request River Garden RiverGarden.org | (904) 886.8419

A not-for-profit agency sponsored by the organized Jacksonville Jewish community.

More Than a Home Away From Home

Our Adult Day Program offers a purposeful, safe environment for seniors who require extra support. Each day a variety of activities engage clients’ physical, social and occupational interests, so caregivers can work, relax or tend to their own needs.

Request River Garden RiverGarden.org | (904) 288.7858

A not-for-profit agency sponsored by the organized Jacksonville Jewish community.