Senior Crafting Connections aims to provide opportunities for self-expression and intergenerational communication by connecting older adults with young people through crafting activities.

“I really wanted to do something that was needed most in our community,” Strom said.

She and her mother, Renee Strom, began brainstorming going into Emma’s freshman year.

“We came up with multiple ideas — ultimately deciding to focus on senior citizens,” Strom said. “I recognized that they are often lonely and feel overlooked.”

THE SENIOR CRAFTING Connections’ first event was making Christmas cards at Evergreen Senior Living Center in Kingsford. (Submitted photo)

One of her daughter’s favorite hobbies is crafting, and she does many of those activities with her grandmother, Renee Strom explained.

“When we were kicking things around, I told her ‘I think you have to build in crafting, because it is your happy place,'” Renee Strom said. “She took that idea and went with it.”

Emma Strom believes SCC will be a way to help combat unmet needs of local seniors. “It’s about making sure they are seen and heard,” she said.

This summer, the teen moved through the process to get 501(c)(3) non-profit status, including completing articles of incorporation, plus IRS and tax exemption requirements.

Strom purchased the domain name “Senior Crafting Connections.”

“There was a lot of learning about different things,” said Renee Strom, adding it took a couple months to complete.

Emma Strom engaged in fundraising, recruited volunteers and organized craft events.

“An additional benefit is that it will help me hone my leadership skills,” she added.

Strom received a $250 grant from Thrivent, which paid for all the supplies needed for their first crafting event.

They also received additional funds from family and friends to help get the non-profit off the ground.

“A lot of people have been really supportive and helpful along the way in getting it started,” Renee Strom said.

“I knew it was going to be challenging to do all this work, and it was overwhelming at times, but we just had our first crafting event and it was a wonderful experience. It made all the hard work worth it,” Emma Strom said.

When it came to selecting board members, she said the decision was easy, as they all had already shown an interest in SCC.

“Emma Strom had a vision and it’s remarkable what she has been able to accomplish in our community,” said Tamara Juul, executive director of the Dickinson Area Community Foundation.

Starting a non-profit isn’t as easy as people might think, Juul explained. All of the details must be in place: board of directors, mission statement, financial statements and more, plus filings with the IRS.

“To have Emma achieve all these things and host a successful event is such a gift to our community,” Juul said. “We are blessed to have her serving our seniors and I can’t wait to see what the future brings for Senior Crafting Connections and Emma.”

The group hosted its first crafting event at the end of November at the Evergreen Independent Senior Living Center in Kingsford. Fifteen high school students showed up to volunteer their time to help make homemade Christmas cards with the residents.

She had met with the volunteers before the first gathering to share tips, she said.

An additional plus for making it a non-profit is the high school students can earn volunteer hours, Renee Strom said.

“It was great. I felt like I was really able to make connections with the ladies I was crafting with,” said Clark Robb, SSC board treasurer and volunteer at the event.

Strom and her mother agreed the activities form bonds across generations.

“There was a lot of talking and so much humor — it was just awesome,” said Renee Strom, adding that many beautiful Christmas cards were made.

“What a wonderful and fun time we had with the group of Kingsford teenagers. They were all happy and helpful while making cards with us residents,” said Doris Swanson-Thomas, who lives at Evergreen Assisted Living Center. “What a special thing for them to do. Hoping they come back again.”

With the success of the first SCC outing, Emma Strom looks forward to future activities.

They plan to host five to six crafting events a year in the community, with the next one planned for February. Upcoming events will be announced on the Senior Crafting Connections Facebook page.

Emma Strom noted they plan to make at least one event a year open to any senior in the community.

“We want to try to benefit as many people as we can,” Renee Strom added.

Anyone wishing to donate to the new non-profit can go to the SCC Facebook page to find a PayPal link. For more information on the program, email seniorcraftconnections@gmail.com.