Grand Connections

Team members: Wendy Bashnan, Emily Bedenbaugh, Jim Clifford, Annette Dees Grevious, James Hawthorne, Thomas McElveen, Emily Schuck, Henry Well

Grand Connections is an intergenerational community engagement project developed to intentionally connect older adults and high school-aged youth through storytelling, mentorship, and digital media creation. The project was implemented in partnership with the Orangeburg County Council on Aging, Orangeburg County School District, and The Riley Institute.

The initiative addressed two growing community concerns: social isolation among older adults and emotional disconnection among youth. By creating structured opportunities for conversation and collaboration, the project promoted empathy, relationship-building, and stronger community connections.

The project was developed in response to increasing concerns surrounding loneliness, isolation, and the lack of meaningful intergenerational engagement opportunities within the community.

Community Need
• Nearly 1 in 5 South Carolinians are age 65+
• 1 in 3 U.S. adults report feelings of loneliness
• Social isolation contributes to increased physical and mental health risks
• Youth benefit from mentorship, emotional support, and positive community relationships

Project Goals & Objectives
• Strengthen relationships between youth and older adults
• Reduce social isolation among senior participants
• Increase youth empathy, communication, and listening skills
• Preserve community stories and oral histories
• Encourage digital literacy and technology engagement among seniors

Project Implementation

Phase One: Relationship Building & Story Discovery
The first project session focused on trust-building and establishing authentic relationships between youth and senior participants.
• Welcome and introductions
• Icebreaker activities
• Youth and senior pairings
• Guided lunch conversations
• Story discovery and active listening exercises

Phase Two: Digital Story Creation & Reflection
During the second session, participants collaborated to transform stories into digital keepsakes using multimedia tools.
• Audio and video recording
• Creation of 1–3 minute digital stories
• Participant reflections and group sharing
• Recognition and celebration activities

Storytelling Framework
To help participants organize and communicate their experiences effectively, the project utilized a simplified storytelling model.
• Where I Started
• A Meaningful Moment
• What I’ve Learned

Youth Engagement Strategy
Youth participants were encouraged to use conversational prompts focused on empathy, curiosity, and active listening. Facilitators emphasized authentic dialogue over formal interviews.
• Childhood memories and family experiences
• Career and life lessons
• Advice for younger generations
• Sources of joy and meaning
• Personal values and accomplishments

Project Outcomes
The Grand Connections Project generated meaningful social, emotional, and educational outcomes for participants.
• Increased intergenerational understanding and empathy
• Enhanced communication and listening skills among youth
• Reduced feelings of isolation among senior participants
• Preservation of community stories and personal histories

Sustainability & Future Expansion
The project model is designed to be scalable and replicable for future implementation throughout Orangeburg County and surrounding communities.
• Expansion of mentorship circles
• Creation of digital story archives
• Community storytelling showcases
• Additional technology workshops
• Partnership development with schools and senior organizations

Conclusion/ List Survey Results
The Grand Connections Project demonstrated the value of intentional intergenerational engagement in building stronger communities. Through storytelling, mentorship, and shared experiences, participants formed meaningful relationships that promoted empathy, reduced isolation, and strengthened civic connection.
The initiative provides a strong foundation for continued community-based programming that uplifts both youth and older adults while preserving valuable community narratives.