Simple activities such as reading, storytelling, singing, conversation, and games allow young and old to move beyond interaction to true sharing.
More than 20 years ago, Hesston Community Child Care (HCCC) began taking pre-school children to Schowalter Villa for intergenerational activities with its residents. The HCCC and Schowalter Villa formed a corporation in 2001 named Hesston Intergenerational Child Development Center, Inc. (HICDC). The new board worked cooperatively to design and build a new 8,000 square-foot facility adjacent to Schowalter Villa’s assisted living and health care center to house the child care’s central program.
This goal was achieved in 2005 with the construction of the new center and the new Main Street which joins the two entities together, allowing daily interaction between children and Schowalter Villa residents. Main Street, designed to portray an old-fashioned downtown square, features a gift shop, Citizens State Bank branch, conference room, and ice cream shop. Parents, visitors, and residents can observe the children’s indoor and outdoor activities in this area. Simple activities such as reading, storytelling, singing, conversation, and games allow young and old to move beyond interaction to true sharing.
For additional information contact Judy Friesen, director at 620-327-3775.
“I have been employed at Schowalter Villa for one year. I feel very blessed to have a job, especially at this time because so many people are looking for employment. Sometimes people have a job just for the money, but I really like working at Schowalter Villa in the housekeeping department. I find Schowalter Villa a good place to work because it feels like my family. Everyone is so friendly and they smile and speak to me. I really enjoy the interaction with the residents and I like their humor, plus they are so happy and appreciative of the things that I do for them. I also enjoy the hugs that they share with me.”
Sonia Silverya
Employee