Friday, November 6, 2026
For Hewlett High School sophomores Michael Abelev and Mikkel Myaskovsky, making a difference starts with something simple: spending time with someone who may need a friend.
The two friends are co-presidents of Generational Bridges, a student-led volunteer organization that connects young people with older adults at nursing homes and senior living facilities. Through music, games, arts and crafts, the group aims to bridge the generational divide while bringing joy to seniors throughout the Five Towns and neighboring communities.
“Many seniors feel lonely because they don’t get to see their children or grandchildren often in these nursing homes and living facilities,” Abelev said. “However, when they see young people come to them and spend their valuable time and weekends to make sure, they’re having fun and enjoying time, they feel accepted.”
Generational Bridges partners with Atria Park of Lynbrook and Seagirt Adult Daycare in Queens. The group recently finalized a partnership with Five Towns Premier, with its first event scheduled for Nov. 5.
The organization has about 60 volunteers, including high school and middle school students and college students who return home to participate. The group’s Instagram account, @generational_bridges, shares volunteer opportunities.
Events follow a rotating schedule that includes music performances and karaoke, arts and crafts, bingo, board games and casino-themed nights. The co-presidents work with facility activities coordinators to plan the events.
“We tailored it to every type of person in the group of volunteers that we have,” Myaskovsky said. “Some people may be more interested in music, while others may be more creative and interested in arts and crafts. We want everyone to have something they’re comfortable doing.”
Music has been particularly popular. Both students are members of Hewlett High School’s Wind Ensemble and recruited musicians from the school’s concert band to perform for residents. Through a partnership with the Tri-M Music Honor Society, student performers can also earn points toward membership.
At a recent event, volunteers performed songs and led karaoke, with residents singing and clapping along.
The group typically brings six to eight volunteers to each event. To give more students a chance to participate, the co-presidents prioritize those who have not attended recently. Volunteers also receive community service hours.
At Atria Park, students visit residents on the main floor and in the memory care unit, where some have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Although conversations can sometimes be challenging, the students said the happiness created during a visit is what matters most.
“The event coordinator said even though they might forget right after you leave, the joy they felt in that moment that you were there really makes their day better,” Myaskovsky said.
For the students, those moments are just as meaningful.
“Just seeing the smiles on their faces, seeing how entertained they are and how happy they are to see a younger person, you feel something when you help people,” Abelev said.
“Young people sometimes assume they won’t have much in common with seniors,” Abelev said. “But once the conversation begins or they start playing cards with that person, they understand that the gap between their generations doesn’t really affect their ability to get along.”
The co-presidents hope to expand the organization by encouraging more teenagers to volunteer, building partnerships with local facilities and potentially establishing a school club.
“Not only do they bring smiles to the seniors, but to themselves as well,” Abelev said.
Students interested in volunteering can find the sign-up form on Instagram at @generational_bridges.
