The Power of Intergenerational Connection

Melanie R, Vice President of Bloomfield High School’s chapter, reflects on how powerful the intergenerational connections are that she has made through GlamourGals.

When I first joined GlamourGals, I thought I was signing up to paint nails.

Standing here today, I can tell you that what I actually signed up for was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. As chapter leader of Bloomfield High School, I have had the privilege of organizing visits that go beyond makeovers and manicures. One of them was Job Haines’ “Senior Prom,” where I was blessed to hold the hands of women four times my age, as we slowly moved back and forth to music from the 60s. Our rhythm might have been off, but the chatter and laughter rang through the corridors.

As I walked around to document the smiles filling the room, I overheard conversations about first loves, war stories, and loss. GlamourGals is an organization that connects the youth to the generations before ours. As much as we believe we are helping the seniors as volunteers, they are helping us just the same. But by far, my favorite moment GlamourGals has given me was when I sat at my kitchen table with my mother, grandmother, and younger cousins making My Dear Friend cards with all sorts of different markers, stickers, and construction paper. Three generations brought together, with the common goal to make someone feel loved.