Meaningful Connections Program: A Partnership of

Ellensburg Adult Activity Center

and

Central Washington University

The mission of the Meaningful Connections Program is to enhance the quality of life for seniors by providing social connections and to contribute valuable education and service learning opportunities for students. The program is designed based on concepts of service learning and community service. Undergraduate students are matched with community seniors with the dual intent of (1) positively impacting the sense of purpose, personal meaning and social interest in seniors needing or desiring greater social contact and (2) providing opportunities for undergraduate students to gain interest and experience in the well-being of older adults in our communities.

The program also aims to build reciprocal, beneficial relationships between the Ellensburg Community and Central Washington University. The Meaningful Connections Program utilizes cooperative relationships between the Ellensburg Adult Activity Center and the CWU Civic Engagement Office and the Psychology/ Gerontology programs through service learning opportunities.

Ongoing program evaluation is an important element of the Meaningful Connections Program and provides assessment of the impact on participants and opportunities for improvements in the program.

Introduction