HCI TEENS Build Relationship Bridge to Riddle Village Billiards Players
The 40 Developmental Assets that are the ‘building blocks’ for HCI are sometimes hard to explain to others. The ‘Internal’ assets help us to see what makes us tick and the ‘External’ assets are the factors surrounding us that affect the way we behave.
Recently there was a Billiards Tournament at Riddle Village where Penncrest High School students and the residents got to play against each other. The outreach was organized by HCI as a community service opportunity for the students plus a way for the seniors living in Riddle Village to be more engaged with kids in their town. No one was related so it was a real ‘get to know you’ sort of evening. “Everyone felt it was a positive experience. We were able to show the kids that you can continue to participate in activities when you are older including one gentleman who was 100 years old! Most of the young folks played well, but the residents were able to teach them a few things. Many of the students thought they would win all the games, however they soon discovered it was not the case!” – Pat & Stan Woerth, Riddle Village Billiards Players
The ‘Internal’ assets at work here include “Positive Values- giving of yourself for others”, “Social Competencies- being comfortable with others who are different”. This applied to both the students and the senior citizens.
“Growing up as a child I never had much contact with my grandparents. Unfortunately all but one of them had passed away by the time I reached the age of 5. This of course limited my experience with the elderly people of our community and I always felt a small void when I heard others speak of the fond memories they shared with their grandparents. I too wished to enjoy the company and learn from someone who had lived longer than I have and had more life experience to share with me. So, when HCI offered me the great opportunity of visiting the Riddle Village Retirement Community when I was a sophomore in high school, I jumped at the chance. The stories they told us were incredible and full of excitement. Not only were the residents excellent hosts and storytellers, but they were astounding pool players! Much to my surprise the other students and I only won two games out of six! The residents of Riddle Village are truly a valuable and respectable part of our community, and I urge everyone to participate in HCI and to become more involved with the elderly people of our community.”- Kurt McCrohan, graduating senior at Penncrest
“Our residents would enjoy doing it again. When we had snacks and drinks, the students were more at ease, talked about school and their future plans. It was fun! They sure were surprised we could play so well. One group of ladies who play cards near the pool tables, stopped their game to watch.”– Lois Deardorff, Riddle Village Billiards Player
The ‘External’ assets witnessed in this outreach were “Support- when teens have other adult relationships besides their parents” and “Empowerment- when teens demonstrate service to others”. The evening was fun, not work, and there was an exchange of ideas and skills, which might never have occurred without the jumpstart from HCI.
If you have a story to share or wish to comment on HCI and the 40 Developmental Assets, please email: mgrieco@riddlehospital.org
Visit the HCI website at www.hcicares.org for more information and to become active in your community.