Bridging Generations – Armstrong Seniors Place & BayHill Gardens program Connecting Through Storytelling, Music, and Faith
In June, Providence Foundation residents of Armstrong Senior Housing and our young people from BayHill Gardens came together for a powerful intergenerational event focused on connection and mutual understanding.
On June 12, 2025, seniors and youth openly discussed their upbringings, values, and personal challenges. Youths shared their emotional struggles around violence in their neighborhoods and expressed fears of being misjudged or harmed simply for how they look or where they live. These were emotional moments that drew empathy and understanding from the seniors, who in turn, reflected on their own life journeys through hardship, resilience, and survival.
The program culminated on June 26, 2025, with the Armstrong Senior Graduation Celebration, honoring seniors for their progress in personal growth and community engagement. Youth returned for a second visit, this time for one-on-one conversations with seniors. Some youth came for the first time diving deeper into personal stories, life lessons, and dreams for the future. The exchanges were genuine, uplifting, and reflective of real relationships forming.
One powerful moment came when one young person played a self-taught piano piece for the group. His music moved the room into a place of quiet unity and reflection, demonstrating how art can connect hearts across generations. Throughout the session, both seniors and youth shared Bible verses, which provided spiritual grounding and mutual comfort. offering words of encouragement, hope, and faith. Reminding everyone that although generations may differ, the core values of trust, perseverance, and purpose remain timeless among all of them!
One senior stated, “it feels good to speak with the younger generation being that I come from a dysfunctional family. Who only likes to look out for themselves. I can share my upbringing with them and only hope and pray they can learn from it. And, if given the opportunity, I will continue to speak with them.”
This Is The Connection. This Is Healing. This Is What It Means To Grow Together.