Blue Mountain Elementary School in partnership with Southern Adventist University’s PFE grant program has the opportunity to offer a unique tuition assistance to our students. Through this service-oriented scholarship program, our participating students are paired with elderly adults in our community in a mutually-beneficial way.
Students in the PFE program, along with their parents, bring joy to the lives of senior citizens through fun activities such as visiting, reading, going for walks, playing games, etc. When appropriate, they may also provide light housework.
As the young people build generational bridges and learn the value of service, they also benefit from the wisdom and mentorship of the older adults, known as Senior Mentors (SM). In the process, their time together helps finance the student’s Christian education.
If you would like more information or to sign up for PFE, please call the school at 610-562-5052.
Parent Information
The mission of the PFE program is to promote mutually beneficial, service-oriented intergenerational relationships by providing tuition scholarships to partner institutions.
PFE students along with a parent or family member will visit their Senior Mentor (SM) once a week for one hour.
Weekly visits may include companion or chore activities, with goal to develop direct and meaningful relationships.
PFE students may not be matched with relatives.
PFE families may identify a SM for their student based on mutually agreed upon criteria, such as, church member, family/friend, gender, proximity to home or school, student request, etc.
PFE families will be given an orientation, which will include safety guidelines and emergency procedures.
PFE families and SMs should be committed to regular visits. Changes in schedule should always be reported to the program coordinator in a timely manner.
All scholarship monies will be applied to the PFE family’s tuition account.
Student Responsibilities
Spend one hour per week with the adult Senior Mentor (SM) in relationship-building service.
Be punctual, respectful and kind.
Be enthusiastic and ready to play, talk, share, and hang out with SMs!
Reflect on experiences in a weekly writing assignment.
Complete the Mid-year and End-of-year evaluation.
Parents’ Responsibilities
Transport PFE student to and from weekly appointments and stay with them throughout the hour.
Communicate with the program coordinator on a regular basis.
Independently create and maintain a visitation schedule with input and approval from the SM.
Help PFE student with the weekly writing assignment and bi-annual report,
Actively encourage and support your child in engaging with his/her SM. Some children will need assistance – especially at the beginning – to learn how to comfortably interact with an older person.
Current interested students should contact the PFE Coordinator, Monica Flower, via email at bme.pfe@gmail.com.