The Young Kasama’s have a blast visiting the residents of Crestwood Nursing Home in Milford, helping residents play Wii or handing out candy on Halloween.

The Milford High School volunteer group visits the nursing home daily, assisting with various activities and events that the students also help coordinate. What is especially great is that it was started by students several years ago and continues to grow.

I direct the club as president with Mr. Steve Scannell, health teacher, as advisor. The Young Kasama’s was founded by two students, Dominic Nguyen and Willie Miles III, in 2011.

Nguyen recalls the why they wanted to create a volunteer club. "We wanted to reconnect the bridge between our youth and our elders."

Students began volunteering for the Young Kasama’s at the beginning of the school year, with incoming and past members of the club entering with optimistic and excited attitudes.

Senior Julia Anderson enjoys helping the residents. "I am glad to be part of such a friendly group, and get to be a part such an amazing concept of helping the residents at the Crestwood Nursing Home. Seeing them smile makes me happy."

A favorite event that the residents enjoy is the "Senior Senior Prom." Volunteers and the residents dress up and dance the afternoon away. The residents vote upon a prom king and queen, who share the first dance together.

The club has now been running for three years, growing bigger and more involved every day. There have been more kids joining the club who are serious about visiting the nursing home and offering their own time to help.

Students have the flexibility to visit the nursing home at their convenience, as well. Some of the group activities include gardening in the courtyard, movie days, Wii bowling and Christmas decorating.

The residents enjoy the company, telling the volunteers about their childhood memories and how they are grateful that kids today are involved in the community.

The Young Kasama’s hope to expand their outreach to more student at Milford High School, in addition to collaborating with other school groups to help with visiting the residents and bringing more diverse activities to them as well.

Alice Danas is a sophomore at Milford High School.

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