On May 22nd, 2026, Parent Mentors from the Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP) member institution, Nightingale Elementary School, spent part of their day giving back to seniors at Aperion Care International through their Beyond the Classroom initiative. Carrying bags filled with snacks, hygiene products, and thoughtful essentials, the Parent Mentors visited the senior facility not only to donate items, but to share their time, energy, and care with residents who are often overlooked.

The visit was rooted in a simple but meaningful idea. When asked why the group chose to focus on seniors, one Parent Mentor explained, “We just felt like it was the right thing to do. Some seniors have been brought and left here with few visitors, and we wanted to make sure that they knew that they are a valued part of our community.”

With that thought in mind, the Parent Mentors began preparing weeks in advance. They worked together to put together goodie bags filled with cookies, Nutri-Grain bars, and day-to-day hygiene items that residents could use . Beyond the donations themselves, the group also wanted to create a joyful experience for the seniors during their visit.

As part of the afternoon, the Parent Mentors performed a traditional dance for residents and staff, bringing smiles, applause, and moments of connection throughout the facility. The performance added a personal touch to the visit and reflected the care and intentionality behind the initiative. What began as a service project quickly became an opportunity for conversation, laughter, and relationship building between generations.

The Beyond the Classroom initiative continues to encourage Parent Mentors to lead through action and community engagement beyond school walls. Through visits like this one, the Parent Mentors from Nightingale Elementary School demonstrated that community care can take many forms — whether through donations, performances, or simply showing up to remind others that they are seen, appreciated, and valued.

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