By Emily Carbajal

International Baccalaureate (IB) seniors Venice Hernandez and Lauren Pho prove that a little yarn and a lot of heart can connect two generations together. As part of the IB program, students are required to engage in a creativity, activity, and service (CAS) four month project in which they experience personal growth by planning, executing, and reflecting on a meaningful project while also addressing a real-world conflict or interest. For Hernandez and Pho’s CAS project, they’ve created Stitched Together, a program that teaches local senior citizens how to crochet.

The CAS project began from a mutual love for craft and leadership from Hernandez and Pho, but it also stemmed from nostalgia.

“I came up with the idea for Stitched Together, our IB CAS project, inspired by my grandmother who introduced me to the craft,” Hernandez said. “She would always make me everything from headbands to entire blankets out of crochet. Doing the craft together was such a memorable and valuable bonding experience beyond our language barrier and age difference. I created this project in memory of her, in hopes of giving others means to connect as well.”

The program takes place at Aegis Living Facility in Granada Hills, where Hernandez and Pho lead crochet workshops for the residents. Each workshop lasts around an hour as they regularly adapt each session to the needs of the seniors.

“Because many residents have mobility challenges, we adapted by using crochet materials in more accessible ways,” Pho said.”Instead of teaching traditional crochet, we focused on helping them express their creativity through alternative, hands-on activities.”  

Through Stitched Together, Hernandez and Pho have gained valuable lessons in patience and communication from the residents they teach. As they’ve overcome challenges, they continue to build a supportive and loving environment.

“The most rewarding moment I’ve had is when in one of our workshops, one elderly lady came down from her room after sharing about our crochet sessions, and the activities director told us afterwards that she rarely attends these workshops,” Hernandez said.

Over time, Stitched Together has not only helped create bonds in the community, but created future ambitions.

“My experience in this project has inspired me to consider a potential career in occupational therapy,” Pho said. “Engaging in conversations and hands-on projects with the lovely residents helped me discover a passion for helping others overcome physical and sensory challenges. I’m drawn to the creative approaches OTs use to support people in improving their quality of life.”

In the future, Hernanrez and Pho hope to pass on these projects to other IB students in hopes of continuing the support given to these residents.