Creative Movement and Connection with SilverKite Community Arts
October 15, 2025
On a sunny Saturday in September, participants in Full Life’s Volunteer-Based Programs gathered at the Beacon Hill headquarters for a last hurrah to summer. Routinely, the ElderFriends and Care Teams programs come together for community events typically held in the summer (and winter) months and this year’s party date fell on September 13th. With the theme of sunflowers and a collaboration with SilverKite Community Arts®, and special guests, the Woodinville High School Robotics team Velocity Raptors, the festivities began. SilverKite® opened the gala with dance and movement. As the notes of Kool and the Gang’s “Celebration” swelled, participants began to move, and with the encouragement of facilitators Ashley McEneny and Merri Ann Osborne even the most bashful began to sway. Care Team volunteer, Margaret shared, “I wasn’t too sure about the movement part that was [advertised] in the flyer but turned out to be my favorite part. Simple movements to engaging music that got everyone involved. Great fun!”
The movement program continued as SilverKite® facilitators helped participants with seated choreography to two songs and ended before lunch with a nostalgic Soul Train line-up where volunteers and clients alike showed their dance moves as others encouraged with clapping and good-natured whoops. “I am so grateful to the SilverKite® facilitators. They created such a fun, lighthearted space to relax and connect. These parties give elders something special to look forward to. They provide connection, joy, and community—things that can sometimes be missing in daily life. They’re a chance to engage socially, share laughter, and feel celebrated,” explained ElderFriends volunteer, Chad.
This year, thanks to funding from King County Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy, Full Life’s Volunteer-Based Programs collaborated with SilverKite® to facilitate two in-person programs, the Summer Bash full of dance and expressive movement and a Caregiver Art Workshop earlier in the year focused on an artful collage craft to be shared with caregivers, care recipients and volunteers. SilverKite® facilitator Ashley shares, “I am so inspired every time I enter Full Life Care — meeting with the individuals they serve, their staff and volunteers is always a day that warms my heart and demonstrates the power of investing in community. Community care is a powerful tool, and we are such fans of the work being done at Full Life Care, we love our partnership as we believe strongly in the impact that Arts has on Health and work hard to develop and offer programs to serve a variety of audiences where they are.”
After SilverKite® finished the dance portion of the program, the Summer Bash participants enjoyed a hearty, homemade lunch and delightful conversation with their tablemates, while the high school robotics students Velocity Raptors demonstrated the skills of their robot. As
volunteer, Margaret shared, “The food was good and plentiful with time to have conversations. It was my first time seeing robots in action and wonderful to see high schoolers so engaged with the participants. Looking forward to the next event!”
Gatherings such as these are only a small part of what Full Life’s Volunteer-Based Programs — ElderFriends and Care Teams — are about. Volunteers help clients year-round with social, emotional and practical support. Participants who receive this support report increased community and connection, in some cases, calling it “life giving.” If you’re interested our programs, please learn more at https://fulllifecare.org/ways-to-give/volunteer.
“The Summer Bash party was such a great chance to meet other volunteers and participants, and the dance party was an absolute blast! Nothing like a Saturday afternoon Soul Train line! Can’t wait for the next party!” — Emily, volunteer