Cascadia, Christian Academy continue to work together
The new playground equipment at Mountain Valley of Cascadia. The playground is utilized by the neighboring Silver Valley Christian Academy for their recesses – which also gives the facility's residents an opportunity to get out in the fresh air and interact and watch the children play.
JOSH McDONALD
KELLOGG –– One of the greatest joys in life is watching children play and hearing their laughter and joy while they do it.
Residents at Mountain Valley of Cascadia get to experience this twice a day when the students from the neighboring Silver Valley Christian Academy (SVCA) make their way over to the small park area behind the award winning skilled nursing facility.
For years the students of SVCA have played on the aging playground equipment behind the center and have even utilized the field area as part of their physical education classes – this has allowed the residents of the nursing home to sit outside and watch the children learn and play.
Over time, the equipment had deteriorated to the point that the students were not going to be able to come over and play on it – prompting Cascadia’s administrators to figure out a solution.
Through donations and the use of a rummage sale, the facility was able to raise enough money to purchase a brand new, heavy duty set of playground equipment and had it installed just in time for their return to school this past week.
“These kids come over and play and visit more than our residents’ family members who bring their children,” Cascadia Activities Director Misty McEnany said. “We love having the kids come over here.”
She’s not the only one thankful for the school’s willingness to engage with the residents, Mountain Valley Chief Executive Officer Emilee Kulin is also excited to have them back.
“Our residents love to see the kids play in their backyard,” Kulin said. “We are so lucky to have the SVCA, as well as Angel Wings Daycare so close to us. The new playground is big, bright, and colorful and really adds to our residents’ everyday lives.”
The relationship between Cascadia and SVCA has deep roots, but in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic that relationship has become strained.
Throughout the school year, the students would make their way to the nursing home to put on little programs for the residents, engage in special activities with the residents, and even celebrate the holidays with them.
But with various restrictions and other health concerns tied to the pandemic they have been unable to even really visit – outside of their recess activities.
McEnany said that the current plan is to get back to more consistent visits sometime this school year.