The Groves is a Retirement Community that seeks to “Provide a Christ-Centered Community That Meets the Needs of Aging Adults.” Located just off of Truman Road, The Groves offers a range of care options, including Independent Living Apartments, Rehabilitation, and Hospice.
Haleigh Wilson, 7, visits The Groves every Tuesday to interact with the people who live in this community. She reads to a group – varying in size – of elderly citizens. Haleigh would one day like to be a teacher, like her mother is, and enjoys reading and getting to share her talent with others. After reading, she discusses the books with the people she read to.
Her parents, Samantha and Eric Wilson, wanted Haleigh to give back to the community in a way that shares her talents with the world.
“We’re trying to teach our kids to give to others and share their talents, and she’s very good at reading,” said her mother, Samantha Wilson.
Haleigh primarily reads and talks to the citizens of the Groves, however she has made a surprise singing performance while visiting with her grandfather’s choir.
“My dad is the director of a choir that sings at The Groves once a month,” said Samantha. “She was a surprise little soloist one time.”
What do you do when you come to visit at the Groves?
I read to the people.
Who do you read to when you visit?
Some of the same people come, but some different people come sometimes. One time seven people came and I think three people came and four people came.
What books do you read to them and who selects what you will read?
I get the books at the library. I do (choose the books). I read them a book last time and it was called “Move Over, Rover” and it’s about a dog. (Their favorite story was called “The Little Red Head.”)
What is your favorite part about your visits to the Groves?
Reading. (Talking and making friends).
Why is it important to volunteer and reach out to others in the community?
(It’s important) to help people.
Quotable
“Haleigh is a delightful, bright young lady. She brings both smiles and tears to our residents as she reads to them each week. It brings back pleasant memories of their own childhood, their own children and grandchildren. Some of our residents were even teachers. Haleigh is blessed to have a family who provides opportunities, support and transportation for their daughter to bless others with her outstanding reading abilities.
