At the heart of Ingleside, lies a deep commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and community enrichment. Staff leaders across Ingleside’s three communities are consistently looking for new ways to create meaningful opportunities for both residents as well as the broader community.
Westminster at Lake Ridge (WLR), for example, has leveraged an exciting partnership with Prince William County Schools’ Project SEARCH, a career growth program that provides an avenue for young adults with developmental disabilities to achieve hands-on field experience, while helping to enrich the culture of the Ingleside community.
In partnership with Prince William County Schools, Didlake, and the Department of Aging and Rehabilitation Services (DARS), WLR’s Project SEARCH curriculum involves a one-year, business-led internship program that takes place at the senior living community. With more than 10 interns ranging from 18 to 21 years of age, the internship opportunity provides tangible real-world experience outside of the classroom, career exploration, comprehensive training in worksite rotations, and independent living skills.
“When the opportunity to collaborate with Project SEARCH came about, it aligned so closely with our values here at Ingleside,” said Craig Turner, WLR’s Independent Living Administrator. “It is exactly the kind of forward-thinking program that provides us an innovative way to open doors for those who are often overlooked for traditional career paths. We’re excited to have the opportunity to break barriers and create opportunities that might seem unexpected at first glance.”
WLR’s partnership reflects a growing trend within the senior living industry where intergenerational programs are being prioritized as a catalyst to foster change and meaningful connections. Across the board, senior living organizations nationwide have pushed for an intergenerational design and programming in their communities to promote socialization, enhanced health outcomes, and lifelong learning while reducing isolation and the stigmas of aging.
That’s why innovative programs like Project SEARCH offer a promising solution. By creating more pathways for young adults and seniors to connect, communities like WLR are building bridges between generations while addressing critical inclusive workforce needs.
“We hope this program continues to develop new intern positions for these students and continues to enrich the lives of the participants, our staff, and of course our residents,” Craig said.
For more information on Ingleside’s Westminster at Lake Ridge community involvement and volunteer programs, contact (703) 420-7105 or visit https://inglesideonline.org/westminster-lake-ridge/.