From the Hart Podcast with Ed Hart: Janice Frechette - Building Bridges Between Seniors and Kids

In this episode of the From the Hart podcast, Ed Hart, Director of the First Bank Center for Family-Owned Businesses, interviews Janice Frechette, the executive director of Parentis Foundation. They discuss the foundation's mission to connect senior citizens with youth to promote literacy and mentorship. Janice shares her lifelong passion for service, her experiences in community engagement, and the transformative impact of intergenerational relationships. The conversation also highlights the challenges and adaptations made during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the creation of a virtual Lifelong Learner Series for volunteers. The importance of maintaining a strong organizational culture and the positive feedback from parents and teachers about the program's effectiveness are also emphasized. In this conversation, Ed and Janice discuss the power of small actions in education, the importance of mentorship, and the impact of community service on children's literacy. They explore the evolution of their reading programs, the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the significance of empathy and kindness in literature. Janice shares her personal journey through loss and love, highlighting the mentors who have inspired her. The conversation concludes with a call to action for community involvement and the future goals of the Empowering Readers initiative.