Suffield Sidekicks matches local seniors with teens to help with light household chores and yard work, such as dusting, vacuuming, raking leaves, planting, weeding, home organization and computer assistance.
Suffield Sidekicks Natalie Ho and Anthony DeLucco gladly assisted resident Nancy Bixby.
There is no cost for the seniors to participate, and the benefits are endless.
Quentin Kuczaj shows off his Sidekicks skills.
Seniors receive help with household tasks that may be difficult to manage, while forming meaningful connections with the teens. For many, it is also a welcome break from isolation and an opportunity to share pearls of wisdom with the teens.
Seniors have shared, “The whole experience has been just wonderful.;” “The teens could not have been more terrific. They were polite, on time, and were interested in what I had to say.”; “I have paid people a lot of money who didn’t do as good a job as these teens did; and that is an important factor for seniors.”
The teens earn a paycheck and work experience as well as a new appreciation for the seniors. They begin to understand the vulnerability and frailty that comes with aging as well as the positive impact of hard work and empathy. Most importantly, it’s a fun and rewarding experience.
This is what the teens have to say about the program: “It’s a really good opportunity to do good for your community and yourself. I have had fun working with seniors.”; “Working with these lovely seniors has been a wonderful and enriching experience for me as a teen.”; “I enjoy getting to connect with and learn from those members of our community who have lived very full and inspiring lives.”
If you’re a senior or teen interested in joining the Suffield Sidekicks program, please reach out to Joann Moriarty, Suffield Youth Services Director, at 860-668-3329 or jmoriarty@suffieldct.gov.
Each senior is required to complete a brief application and undergo a background check to help ensure the safety of participating teens.
Suffield Sidekicks is made possible by a generous grant from the Suffield Greater Community Fund and the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. Donations to support the Suffield Sidekicks can be made to: Suffield Community Aid, 450 South Street, Suffield, CT 06078.