NISC Programs of Excellence 

• Year Awarded: 2026
• Programs of Excellence Name: Students Writing Senior Stories
• Hosting Organization: South Marrow County Seniors Matter, Heppner, Oregon

About Students Writing Senior Stories: 

The Students Writing Senior Stories Project is an intergenerational storytelling initiative developed by South Morrow County Seniors Matter to preserve the life stories of older adults while fostering meaningful connections between seniors and local students. The program
addresses two common challenges in rural communities: social isolation among older adults and limited opportunities for students to engage in authentic, service-based learning.

The project pairs high school literature students with residents of tthe local assisted living facility and other older adults from the community. Students are trained in basic interview techniques, active listening, and respect for privacy and informed consent. Each student conducts regular interviews with an older adult, usually over the course of several weeks, to gather memories, life experiences, and reflections.

From these interviews, students write a short narrative or “senior story,” which is then reviewed with the senior for accuracy and approval. Older adults benefit by being seen, heard, and valued. Many participants express gratitude for the opportunity to reflect on their lives and to know their
stories will not be lost. The conversations themselves often become a source of encouragement, dignity, and renewed purpose. For some seniors, particularly those living alone or with limited family nearby, the project provides rare, sustained one-on-one interaction.

Students benefit through experiential learning that builds communication skills, empathy, and respect for older generations. The project has provenespecially effective for students who may not thrive in traditional classroom settings but excel when given real-world responsibility and human connection.

For the senior center, the program deepens community engagement and expands its role beyond nutrition services to include cultural preservation and intergenerational connection. The completed stories can be strengthening public awareness and support for the center.

Key partnerships include the local high school, assisted living facility, and senior center volunteers. The program is low-cost, easily replicable, and adaptable to different community sizes. Required resources include volunteer coordination, basic training materials, and staff or volunteer oversight
to manage scheduling and consent.

The Students Writing Senior Stories Project demonstrates how senior centers can serve as bridges between generations—honoring the past while shaping the future through shared stories.

Key takeaways from Students Writing Senior Stories:

• The process of reflecting on one’s life, being heard, and knowing that those stories will be preserved contributes to reduced feelings of isolation, increased sense of purpose, and improved overall morale.
• Students develop practical skills in interviewing, active listening, writing, and ethical storytelling—
  skills that extend far beyond the classroom. 
• Unlike short-term or transactional volunteer activities, this project builds trust over time, allowing genuine relationships to form.

About South Morrow County Seniors Matter

South Morrow County Seniors Matter aims to enhance the well-being of all South Marrow older adults. Priorities include: providing a weekly luncheon with guest speakers; connecting older adults to resources; hosting enrichment classes and activities; and organizing support groups and educational services.