By Kate Hill

Staff Writer

On April 26, Cazenovia College hosted a luncheon in celebration of the “Filling the Gaps” mentoring program — a new initiative that matches students from the Cazenovia College Human Services program with local senior citizens.

The pilot program was a joint effort of the College and Community Resources for Independent Seniors (CRIS) TimeBank, with funding provided through the Cazenovia College President’s Innovative Fund.

The two-way mentoring program not only provides seniors with support and companionship, but it also provides students with enriching experiences and new perspectives.

Offered by the College as a non-credit volunteer opportunity, Filling the Gaps included nine student participants: Nicole Baron, Olivia Deraway, Sheila Gorton, Kayla Hamilton, Roshawn Kershaw, Taetum Leffingwell, Alexa Strickland and RuthAnn Winschel.

The students were paired with their senior “matches” last September. Throughout the academic year, the mentoring pairs have spent at least two hours a week together, engaging in a variety of activities at senior homes, on campus or out in the community. Each week, the students are required to document and reflect on their experiences in online journals.

Human Services Program Director Dr. Mary Handley started off the luncheon with a brief introduction to the program.

According to Handley, the idea grew out of a need for senior support and a student interest in geriatric care. Handley partnered with Dr. Christina Bobesky, assistant professor of human services, to develop the program and apply for funding.

After securing a grant, the pair reached out to CRIS TimeBank Coordinator Mary Bartlett to gauge the senior community’s interest in such a program.
Founded by CRIS in 2014, TimeBank is a volunteer-based network in Cazenovia, Nelson and Fenner that helps to build a strong, supportive community through the exchange of skills and services.

“[It] was so easy to recruit people [from TimeBank] to be in this program,” said Bartlett, who spoke briefly at the luncheon. “I sent out an email and in two or three days, we were pretty much full. It was a great idea; people just jumped on board and we were off to the races.”

Bartlett also described the ongoing collaboration between TimeBank and the College, explaining that while she oversaw the senior side of the program, Handley and Bobesky provided support to the students.

Student mentor Alexa Strickland delivered a presentation on the profound impact of the program on her life.

She described the connection she formed with her senior match, Charlene, and the support they offered one another.

“I had never really had experience with [the senior] population,” Strickland said. “And being in human services, I wanted to learn more . . Throughout the [year], I learned the needs and values of this population and realized that age is just a number. This program has been a real blessing in my life.”

Student-made videos highlighted some of the most memorable experiences shared by the seniors and students.

The participants described a wide range of activities, including exploring the community and the natural surroundings, attending community events, working on projects of all sizes, home decorating and baking. In addition to discussing the memories made over the course of the school year, the participants also expressed their deep appreciation for each other and for the program’s role in bringing them together.

“At my age, when you get a chance to work with a young person, it just puts a spark in your life,” commented one senior. “I’m so sorry [the program] is coming to end. I would really love to see it continue.”

The luncheon concluded with congratulatory remarks from Dr. Ron Chesbrough, Cazenovia College President.

Chesbrough noted that, unfortunately, the President’s Innovation Fund provides only a single year grant.

“[Filling the Gaps] has been terrifically important to many people, and I will do what I can personally and otherwise to see if there are ways that we can seek sustainable funding [for this kind of program],” he said.

For more information on the “Filling the Gaps” program or CRIS TimeBank, contact the CRIS office at 315-655-5743 or email [email protected].