Memories may fade, but the impact of kindness never does.
This fall, youth volunteers from VisionNOW, a program of The LifeGate Center, will be bringing connection, music, and compassion to local dementia patients, one visit at a time.
Led by Reba Danastorg, this intergenerational kindness project is all about bridging hearts across generations. With support from a $1,000 Kindness Grant, Reba will train a team of youth volunteers in dementia sensitivity and communication skills, preparing them to engage meaningfully with older adults in care centers. Over the course of six visits, volunteers will share stories, create memory books, and offer companionship through music and conversation.
Each visit may last just an hour or two, but its ripple effect extends far beyond. For dementia patients, these interactions bring warmth, laughter, and a sense of belonging. For youth volunteers, they’re lessons in empathy, patience, and human connection—skills that will stay with them for life.
Reba’s inspiration for the project runs deep. As a pastor and caregiver who has watched family members and close friends struggle with dementia, she has seen firsthand how isolating the disease can be for both patients and loved ones. This initiative grew from her hope to ease that isolation and remind every person, regardless of memory or age, that they are still deeply seen and valued.
For the TDB Family Foundation, VisionNOW embodies the spirit of three of our focus areas:
- Amplifying Voices of Youth, by giving young people the opportunity to lead with empathy and purpose.
- Building Thriving Communities, by nurturing understanding and connection across generations.
- Pathways to Mental Health Resiliency, by fostering belonging, joy, and hope in spaces that too often feel forgotten.
We’re proud to support Reba and the VisionNOW team as they bring this project to life. It’s a beautiful reminder that kindness can bridge any distance—whether that’s between generations, experiences, or memories—and that human connection is one of the most powerful gifts we can give.
Photo Courtesy of Reba Danastorg of VisionNOW