Tanya Kutukdjian, Programs Assistant, sent in this Resident Spotlight report:
March was a good month at Park Plaza Senior Apartments in North Hollywood, CA, as we welcomed new residents to both Bingo and TimeSlips.
With Bingo, we have two new residents that have moved from the sidelines into the actual game! Both of these residents would always be sitting nearby and observing during Bingo, but never joined in the games. Sometimes it takes courage to decide to participate.
With TimeSlips, we are continuing to see things progress beautifully. Residents now ask when the next group is going to meet, and many participate enthusiastically without needing encouragement or coaxing. Once they start, it is clear how much they enjoy the group and how proud they feel to contribute to the wonderful stories that are created.
One of our greatest achievements is getting the participation of one of our male residents, which has been rare at this site.
Mr. Artash (pictured here with instructor Sarah Jacobus) has become a regular. Even though he has medical issues that prevent him from participating consistently, he is always willing to share a story and contribute something each time we meet. Sometimes he is just returning from medical treatment when we are having our group, but he will make it a point to stop by and check in with us, sharing some type of story, which is healing for us all.
TimeSlips opens storytelling to everyone by replacing the pressure to remember with the freedom to imagine.
~ Elizabeth Sampson, Program Director
