Here at the MAH we are always so proud and grateful to help connect our guests of all ages and backgrounds with the seniors and caregivers in our community.
As many would remember, last April we debuted our second Community Issue exhibition, We're Still Here: Stories of Seniors & Social Isolation. It was my job as Dialogue Catalyst to facilitate brainstorms and events that helped seniors connect with each other, local resources, and the broader Santa Cruz County community.
Since the closure of the exhibition and the announcement of it traveling to other California Counties, we've stayed in contact with our partners and new friends. Which brings us to our current moment. When COVID hit Santa Cruz County, we knew the Shelter in Place order would be impacting our local seniors and caregivers pretty hard.
To try and send some smiles their way, last Friday we hosted a virtual card making event over Zoom. We had 40 people sign up to make cards together, share inspiration, show off their progress, give compliments, and take a moment to spread some joy. Many people wore purple to celebrate the flowers of spring. There was even a spontaneous dance party. The most important part was that people felt connected and engaged in the process of being together to make loving and grateful cards for seniors and caregivers in our community.
Additional cards came in during the following week from people who were not able to make the live session, including staff from the Santa Cruz Warriors Basketball Team! There are a total of 89 cards now.
I love that the MAH is doing this project and I hope these cards bring some joy to the people that receive them! – Mary
Next, the cards will be printed and hand-delivered and/or emailed by local agencies to hundreds of local seniors and their caregivers. We hope to get some photos back to share, so stay tuned for updates.
Thank you again to all the caregivers, cardmakers, and older adults who work so hard to make our community connected and expressive!