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Generations unite for Passport volunteers, LHAND residents
LYNN - The generation gap seemed to fade away as students ages 13 to 18 shared some laughs over pastries and iced tea with residents of the Lynn Housing Authority & Neighborhood Development's M. Henry Wall Plaza.
The 25 students, part of Passport Inc.'s Youth Camp, visited with Wall Plaza residents on Monday for the tea party. The students will be in Lynn for two weeks, performing services such as reading, washing windows, cleaning ovens and organizing spa days. In addition to assisting the Wall Plaza residents, they will be visiting other sites such as the Boys and Girls Club and performing works throughout the city, from yard work to painting benches.
A federal housing program for seniors age 62 and older or disabled, Wall Plaza consists of 176 units located within two buildings at 95 Tremont St. and 18 Bond St.
Residents said they were looking forward to the youth visit.
"They like spending time with the seniors," said Wall Plaza resident Amy DiTondo. "And we like having them. It makes us feel young."
Wall Plaza Resident Service Coordinator Adelle Abdallah agreed.
"It's an intergenerational exercise," she said "It's nice for the residents to see the younger faces."
Passport Inc., a nonprofit organization founded in 1993, aims to empower students to embrace community and spread grace to the world. With headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama, Passport organizes annual ministry camps for more than 6,000 participants. Other locations this year include Georgia, North Carolina, New Orleans, Kenya and Toronto.
Passport's visit to Lynn was coordinated through Gordon College. The college is serving as host to the students for the two weeks.
"They're being exposed to so many experiences," said Katy Dovyus, Passport staff member and Bible study leader. "They're broadening their horizons, sharing what they're passionate about and making new friends."
Hailing from throughout the U.S. but primarily the South, the students and leaders are enjoying their visit to Lynn.
"This is the first time we've done the camp in New England," said Clint Scott, associate pastor at the First Baptist Church in Sylva, North Carolina. "Most of the locations are in the South, so it's a cultural experience for these kids. They've had a chance to tour Boston, go on the Duck Tours and see Fenway Park."
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