A Little Ice-Cream and a Lot of Sweet Gestures

When the Grosse Pointe Farms Public Safety Department showed up at American House Grosse Pointe for an end-of-summer ice-cream social, they had no idea what they would get back.

The visit was initiated by Officer Charity Vanover, who has collaborated with the American House Life Enrichment team on other events, including Trunk-or-Treat and movie nights with her 15-foot projector. “Our department loves community relations,” she said. “This is our way of letting the residents know we’re here for them as much as any other citizen in the city.”

Several off-duty officers and firefighters enjoyed their time with residents and team members, to which Vanover says, “It’s really a wonderful thing that so many of our officers and fire specialists participated during their time off.” She added, “They recognize the importance of giving back and letting all the residents know that, in addition to being here for emergencies, we’re always around to help out.”

While popcorn was popping and cornhole was played, a balloon artist handed out colorful animals and bouquets to the residents. As it turned out, the biggest gift wasn’t what the residents received; it was what they gave back.

Following the visit, the Memory Care team assisted the residents in creating quality cards as a gesture of thanks to the Grosse Pointe Farms officers and firefighters.

Within the standards of our American House Memory Care playbook is an initiative called Projects with a Purpose. It’s grounded in the notion that the well-being of our residents is not only improved by the care they receive, it’s also enhanced by how they contribute and connect to the greater society. At least once a month, Memory Care residents give their time doing something positive, whether it’s bagging dog treats for a local animal shelter or gifts for preschoolers.

The thank-you cards fell in line with this initiative. American House National Director of Memory Care Ann Coda calls it Failure-free Art, in which the Memory Care teams facilitate the creation of intentional, well-thought-out art that is age-appropriate and dignified. The thank-you cards for the officers were made using quality materials, with each resident putting their signature on the back of their unique piece.

“The art of signing one’s name has power,” said Memory Care Specialist Holly Henderson. “A handwritten card is beautiful, and for this generation who grew up sending notes and thank-you cards, it meant a lot for them to give a gift back.”

It took several sessions to complete the cards to deliver to the Grosse Pointe Farms Public Safety Department, and the results were extraordinary. “The thank-you cards were very appreciated, everyone was so excited, it was awesome,” said Officer Vanover.

The American House team will continue working with Vanover on future events, and they’re planning to make the ice-cream social an annual event. How sweet is that?

Schedule a visit at American House Grosse Pointe and learn more about our Memory Care program!

We all have a story. A story that taught us something, changed us and helped define who we are. Our seniors have amazing stories that hold a wealth of wisdom. At American House, your next chapter is waiting to be written. We’re here to help you write it. Your way.