Carolina Gardens at Lexington Senior Living facility has partnered with the Lexington YMCA to create a new summer program for its residents.

Lexington YMCA’s fitness trainer, Lindsey Blackwell, leads strength and balance exercise programs every other week at the Carolina Gardens facility.

In return, the residents lead a craft activity at the YMCA for children attending summer camps.

Most recently, they painted the American flag. The memory care community sanded and prepared the wood. Then two memory care residents and one assisted living resident led the craft program for approximately 30 children.

“It’s amazing to watch these residents interact with the children by giving advice and encouragement,” said Toby Stigdon, Assisted Living Facility Life Enrichment and Volunteer Coordinator of Carolina Gardens at Lexington.

“The children seem to soak it up and flourish during a short 30 to 45 minute program.”

For more information about the Carolina Gardens at Lexington facility and the programs they offer, please contact Cathy Casanova at

ccasanova@pruitthealth.com

or call 803-520-5850.

This program will run through the end of August.