Location: Flagstaff County, Alberta
Lead Organization: Flagstaff Family and Community Services (FFCS)
Program Coordinator: Caitlyn Prehn
Partner Site: Big Knife Lodge
Participants: Older adult residents (GrandPals), students, teachers, and community staff
Part of the GrandPals Network in Action
Across Canada, communities are adapting the GrandPals model to reflect their local relationships, histories, and strengths. Each program looks a little different, but all share the same purpose. They are building meaningful connections between young people and older adults.
In Flagstaff, Alberta, that vision is taking shape through Flagstaff Family and Community Services. A strong sense of community and personal connection has helped bring the program to life at Big Knife Lodge.
A Program Rooted in Relationship
For coordinator Caitlyn Prehn, GrandPals was not simply a new initiative. It was something she had already been imagining.
"I thought this would be a really cool idea. Then I found GrandPals and thought this is exactly what I had envisioned, but better."
What stood out most was the focus on ongoing connection.
"I wanted something that was about establishing relationships. Every other program I had seen was more of a one time visit. This felt like an investment."
That investment is also personal.
"The people in that building are important to me. They were the adults when I was growing up in this community."
Now, as both a community leader and a parent, Caitlyn is helping create opportunities for a new generation to build those same kinds of relationships.
Recruitment: When Community Momentum Takes Over
One of the most interesting insights came during recruitment.
At Big Knife Lodge, residents span a wide range of ages and care needs. The oldest participants were the first to step forward.
"They were the first people to say yes. I am going for it."
From there, momentum built naturally. Residents encouraged one another. Word spread through conversation. Interest grew through trust.
"One of them said, I am going to go get Dennis. Why is he not here?"
Reaching younger seniors required a bit more effort, including connecting through existing programs and shared spaces. Once a few people joined, others followed quickly.
Orientation: Creating Confidence Through Flexibility
Orientation sessions revealed something important. Participants were eager, but they also needed reassurance.
Many seniors had questions about the time commitment.
"What if I have a physio appointment?"
The response was simple.
"We will figure it out."
That flexibility helped create confidence. Participants understood that the program was structured, but also supportive. They felt comfortable committing because they knew they would not be left on their own if something changed.
A Meet and Greet Full of Possibility
The Meet and Greet brought everything to life.
"It was wonderful."
Caitlyn shared that one of the GrandPals, a 102 year old participant, was concerned about hearing and being heard. A small voice amplifier helped her participate fully.
Across the room, conversations unfolded around stories and artifacts.
"We talked about everything."
One pairing stood out in particular. Caitlyn described how her son was paired with Michelle, a GrandPal from New Zealand who brought an artifact from her childhood. They spoke together for the entire session, and afterward he said:
"She is so cool. I cannot wait to go back."
Early Impact: Small Moments, Big Meaning
Even in the early stages, the impact is already visible.
One teacher shared a moment that stood out. A student who typically struggles to express himself approached her and said:
"I really like my GrandPal."
For that student, speaking up in that way was unusual. The connection created space for him to express something meaningful.
Moments like this are often the first signs of impact. They are quiet, but they matter.
Adapting to Fit the Community
As with any community, the program has been shaped to fit local needs.
Some participants prefer printed materials instead of digital communication. Many appreciate having something they can refer to throughout the program. Coordination often happens through staff at the lodge, helping ensure everyone stays informed and supported.
None of these have been barriers. They have simply shaped how the program runs.
"It is easy to accommodate. Everything has been kind of great."
Looking Ahead: Listening to the Stories
As the program moves into its weekly sessions, Caitlyn is most looking forward to something simple.
"I just cannot wait to listen to the conversations."
She describes walking through the room, listening as conversations unfold and watching relationships begin to grow.
Each session will bring new stories, new themes, and new connections.
Looking Ahead: A Community-Wide Vision
What began as a pilot at Big Knife Lodge is already pointing toward something bigger.
"This is giving me a great perspective on how wonderful this could be across Flagstaff."
With more schools and more seniors involved, the program has the potential to grow in a meaningful way.
"I am just so excited to see this all roll out."
Key Takeaways for Other Communities
1. Start with relationships, not logistics
In Flagstaff, the program was rooted in personal connection to the community. That foundation helped build trust and made everything else easier to implement.
2. Let recruitment grow through people, not just outreach
One engaged participant quickly became a connector, encouraging others to join. Word of mouth created momentum that formal recruitment alone could not.
3. Trust that meaningful moments will emerge quickly
Even in the first sessions, students began forming real connections. Small moments, like a student expressing appreciation for their GrandPal, are early signs of deeper impact.
About the GrandPals Network
GrandPals is a growing network of schools, community organizations, and senior serving agencies working together to strengthen intergenerational connection across Canada.
Each community contributes to a shared learning network, offering insight and encouragement to others beginning their journey.