The Parkvue Community Launches “Parkvue Pals” Program Connecting Residents and Perkins High School Students

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Ashley Bills, Executive Director of Communications & Public Affairs
740.525.5703 or [email protected]

 

The Parkvue Community Launches “Parkvue Pals” Program

Connecting Residents and Perkins High School Students

Sandusky, OH (Mar. 25, 2025) The Parkvue Community, a United Church Homes senior living community in Sandusky, has launched Parkvue Pals, an innovative intergenerational program that pairs residents with students from Perkins High School to build meaningful, one-on-one relationships.

The program thoughtfully matches residents and students based on shared interests, creating opportunities for conversation, mentorship and shared experiences. Beyond group gatherings such as ice cream socials, game nights, and themed celebrations, many pairs connect individually for regular visits, collaborative projects, and outings in the community.

For Brianna, a Perkins student and daughter of Parkvue Administrator Jedd Rawlins, the inspiration came from a personal connection. “When I met Edith, a resident at another long-term care facility, we talked for hours, sharing stories and experiences,” Brianna shared. “She told me she felt bored and disconnected, and that really stuck with me. I wanted to create a program where residents could have someone to look forward to — a ‘new friend.’”

Another student, Milly, emphasized the program’s impact on both generations. “I’ve learned that life doesn’t lose its spark as you grow older,” she said. “Spending time with my Pal, Peggy, has shown me that age is just a number. She finds joy in every day, and it’s contagious.”

Residents say the program has brought renewed joy to their daily lives. “It gives me something to look forward to,” said S. Gilbert. “She’s not family, she’s not staff — she’s someone choosing to spend time with me.” D. Beck added, “I wish more people could have a student to visit them. It’s such a special connection.”

Samantha Williams, Activities Director at Parkvue, noted the program’s broader benefits. “Residents have really enjoyed their high school Pals. They’re able to share experiences and contribute to the students’ lives in a meaningful way. It’s been wonderful to see the connections form.”

Parkvue Pals has also energized staff and strengthened teamwork across the community, as employees help residents prepare for events and welcome their student visitors.

“Parkvue Pals is a powerful example of community in action,” said Jedd Rawlins, Regional Director of Healthcare Services at Parkvue. “When generations connect, something remarkable happens. Our residents gain companionship and fresh perspective, and students gain wisdom and meaningful relationships. It truly embodies what it means to live abundantly together.”

The Parkvue Community plans to expand the program in the coming year to include additional residents and students, ensuring even more residents experience the joy of intergenerational friendship.

Media are invited to visit The Parkvue Community to observe Parkvue Pals activities and speak with participating residents and students.

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For more than a century, United Church Homes has been dedicated to transforming the lives of older adults with quality housing and compassionate care. Now recognized as the 19th largest multisite nonprofit senior living organization in the U.S., according to the 2025 LeadingAge Ziegler 200 ranking, UCH proudly serves nearly 7,000 residents across more than 90 vibrant communities in 15 states and two Native American nations. Driven by a mission to redefine aging, UCH creates a culture of community, wholeness and peace for those it has the honor to serve. As a founding member of Radiant Alliance, United Church Homes continues to lead the way in shaping the future of senior living.