Bridging the gap

Next Generation program connects teens and seniors

By Heather Ruenz

Staff Writer

The facilitators of a new program that was created as a way for area teens and seniors to connect said the first session could not have gone better. And in many ways, it exceeded expectations.

Dubbed the Next Generation program, the idea came out of a discussion between Colleen Lesniak – the volunteer coordinator for Walworth County, and Mary Stenzel and Mel Davis – social workers at Lakeland Health Care Center.

“We talked about starting some new volunteer programs and then Racquelle (Simons) who had volunteered as a high school student and now goes to UW-Whitewater, came to us and asked if we had any new opportunities,” Lesniak said. “So she jumped in and kind of took the lead.”

The first session recently wrapped up and Lesniak said the goal is to offer it twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall. Each Tuesday afternoon, a speaker kicked off the program followed by an activity.

To read the rest of the story and see photographs of the variety of activities that took place, contact Southern Lakes Newspapers at 1102 Ann St., Delavan, or call 262-728-3411.

For more information about the program call Colleen Lesniak at 262-741-4223 or send an email to walcovolunteers@gmail.com.