Four students in the Long Term Care Administration (LTCA) Program who participated in , celebrated a book launch this week during a lunch ceremony at Maplewood Senior Living in Cuyahoga Falls.
The students combined their elders' stories into a paperback titled, "Connecting the Pieces of Our Lives," an 88-page collection of four life stories of elders living in Northeast Ohio. Through periodic meetings, elders at Maplewood shared stories, uncovered common interests and formed meaningful connections with students. The book cover is a combination of artwork created by the students and elders and pieced together in the form of a picture puzzle; the book's title reflects the connecting pieces of their lives.
The Legacy Project, Inc., is a nonprofit organization that matches students with older adults to foster intergenerational relationships and preserve life stories of the older generation.
Alexander worked with Adena McGowan and staff at Maplewood to hold a ceremonial luncheon for the students, the senior residents and their family members. Students collaborated with older adults at Maplewood to create a book about the elders’ lives that is published on Amazon.
"This was a very special event," said Donna Alexander, LNHA, MBA, CDP, associate lecturer and LTCA program coordinator. "Each student was very moved by their time with their 'match' at Maplewood. This project has been extremely rewarding."
Pictured above (left to right): Abby Bakies, Shaunessy Lutz, Abby Knapp, Associate Lecturer Donna Alexander, and Lauren Paterson.