A resident-led art initiative at The Palace Gardens became an opportunity to showcase how older adults continue making a meaningful impact beyond their senior living community. By focusing on residents who sold their handcrafted artwork to help provide school supplies and tablets for local children, The Ehlers Group developed an intergenerational story centered on purpose, creativity and community connection.
Opportunity
Residents at The Palace Gardens, an assisted living and memory care community in Homestead, raised funds through the sale of their handcrafted artwork to help local students start the school year prepared for success. Their efforts culminated in the community’s 5th Annual Back-to-School Celebration, benefiting 30 South-Dade students.
Strategy
Rather than focusing solely on the back-to-school event, we developed the story around the residents who made it possible. The angle highlighted older adults using their creativity and talents to give back to a younger generation, while demonstrating how meaningful resident engagement can extend beyond the walls of a senior living community. The Ehlers Group coordinated media outreach to bring greater visibility to the residents’ efforts and the community partnerships behind the initiative.
Results
The story was featured in Miami’s Community Newspapers, highlighting how residents turned their artwork into an opportunity to support 30 local students with backpacks, school supplies and tablets while showcasing The Palace Gardens’ connection to the greater South-Dade community.
Why This Story Worked
A back-to-school event alone may not generate media interest. By focusing on the residents who raised the funds and the intergenerational impact of their efforts, the story became about much more than an event. It demonstrated purpose, creativity and community involvement while authentically showcasing the meaningful ways senior living residents continue to contribute to their communities.
Read the Community Newspapers feature here.