Cause
Social isolation in older adult takes a toll on their physical and mental health. A lack of accessible and stimulating service opportunities can lead to a decline in sustained youth volunteerism.
Work
We provide youth with engaging, hobby-based volunteering opportunities that foster intergenerational connection. This alleviates social isolation for older adults and equips youth with essential professional skills.
Impact
We have served over 1800 patients across 16 healthcare facilities, mobilizing more than 500 students to re-imagine volunteering as fun.
““I feel very grateful to have the opportunity to work with [my fellow volunteer] while also being able to create an impactful, meaningful, and enjoyable experience for the seniors. I feel the seniors really enjoy interacting with us and having a creative outlet! My favourite moment was when [one of the seniors] held my hand and told me that she was very thankful that we were coming to paint with her.”
“I love that EmpowART is able to provide opportunities like these that allow both us and the seniors a moment of genuine connection and its fun and peaceful especially since we are university students who are working in such dynamic environments.”
“Seeing seniors express themselves, recall past joys, and form new friendships via art is greatly rewarding. I truly appreciate spending time with the seniors because it allows me to slow down from the fast-paced university life.”
“My favourite part about volunteering is seeing how much joy we can bring into the lives of seniors. Seeing their faces brightly light up as they hold their painting proudly up next to their smiley faces asking for a photo makes the whole experience even more valuable.”
“This is my first time painting ever, I did my best. It came out better than I thought thanks to your help”
“This brings back my childhood” and “Painting is very relaxing” and “I like hanging out with young people”
“I like hanging out with young people” and “I’ve never taken any painting classes before, but I’m enjoying it now!”
“I enjoyed getting to express my mind in a creative way today.”
“When you look at the reference, you think “I could never do that” but once you show us step by step, then we can”
“I want to do more paintings outside of the one we just did” and “I feel like I am improving every week”
“This workshop is wonderful, and it keeps seniors being active. Although it’s hard for some of them, but at least I could see they were concentrating and doing something meaningful.”
“The weekly workshops have been enormously beneficial to our elderly patients who require a structured program with the benefits of socialization with other peers of similar age and conditions. This is a welcome change and positive impact as our hospital’s traditional setting as spacing does not always allow for these types of programs to take place.”
“The EmpowART Team are fairly self sufficient and eager to help. I would recommend them to other agencies. They bring joyful energy and structure to the day. “
“This team is talented and professional. I would recommend.”
