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We were thrilled to receive this wonderful story from Pastor Nigel Rosenzweig about the continuation of the Intergenerational Community Engagement program that started with the support of an LLL Mission Outreach Grant:
In October 2023, Victor Harbor welcomed Tamara McPherson as Intergenerational Community Engagement Officer with the goals of providing pastoral care to residents of the Harbor Village and bringing them and Encounter Lutheran College students together for intergenerational engagements.
The 12-hour per week position was originally funded with 50 per cent local funds plus an LLL Mission Outreach Grant received in May 2023.
Over the past two years Tamara has helped establish a variety of engagement programs, including a fortnightly Friday Buddies program where Year 4 students from Encounter come to the retirement village to enjoy activities and games with residents.
Year 9 Art students have also engaged with residents to create an intergenerational portrait competition.
Photos: Encounter students took part in a mini-Olympics as part of the intergenerational program.
Experiences like these have helped to break down generational silos and bring the generations together to learn from each other.
At the exhibition night Emilie, a Year 9 Encounter Art student, explained:
"When we first heard we were going to meet the residents and learn about them, we were a bit anxious. We didn't know what to expect and thought it could be awkward. Once I had chatted to Robyn for a few minutes I felt at ease and it was easy to talk to her and hear her stories. The project gave me insight into another generation."
Photos: An art competition (above and top) were part of the intergenerational program.
At the recent Harbor Village 40th Anniversary celebrations, Robyn Turley (Resident Committee Chair) also spoke of the blessings that have flowed from these intergenerational engagements.
In November, Tamara will be concluding her time as our first ICEO before relocating. As a result of the initial positive outcomes, the Harbor Village Board recently resolved to fully fund the continuation of the ICEO position for another two years.
It is exciting to see a community mission idea that started with the help of an LLL Mission Outreach Grant becoming self-sustaining.
We thank God for Tamara and her leadership in the initial collaboration and pray that God will provide a new ICEO to continue bringing our local generations together for the blessing of all.
Visit: www.encounter.sa.edu.au
Photo: Harbor Village residents enjoyed coming together to view entries into the art competition.
