FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alexandria, VA — This month, Young Scholars from Hopkins House’s Helen Day Preschool Academy shared the spirit of Valentine’s Day with senior citizens at the Charles Houston Recreation Center Senior Center in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia — creating joyful, meaningful connections across generations.
The K-Prep class (ages 4 and 5) traveled just blocks from their preschool academy on Princess Street in Old Town with excitement and purpose, carrying the personalized Valentine’s cards they created for each senior. These handmade cards quickly became conversation starters, opening the door to shared laughter, storytelling, and heartfelt moments between the children and their older neighbors.
During the visit, the preschool academy young scholars and seniors spent time together enjoying a range of activities, from working side-by-side on crossword puzzles and word searches to coloring, singing familiar songs, and even dancing together. The room filled with smiles as generations connected through creativity, music, and play.
Under the guidance of their teacher, Mrs. Cecilia Maniego, the visit was demonstration of Hopkins House’s longstanding commitment to community engagement and to nurturing the social-emotional development of young children through real-world experiences.
“Intergenerational experiences like this are incredibly important to a young child’s social and emotional development,” said Dr. Justin Thomas, Principal of the Helen Day Preschool Academy. “When children interact with older adults, they practice empathy, communication, and respect, while also building confidence and a sense of belonging within their community. These moments leave a lasting impression on our Helen Day Preschool Academy Young Scholars.”
The Senior Center is operated by the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA) in partnership with the City of Alexandria. The center provides exercise programs, crafts, consumer and wellness education seminars, and recreational opportunities for senior residents on Alexandria’s east side, including those living in the Ladrey High Rise and Annie B. Rose House communities.
This Valentine’s Day visit exemplifies Hopkins House’s mission to connect generations, strengthen community ties, and foster kindness, empathy, and joy — one meaningful interaction at a time.
About Hopkins House
Founded in 1939, Hopkins House is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education and family support services that strengthen children, families, and neighborhoods throughout Alexandria and the surrounding region.
