Most teenagers in Southern California spend their summers staying out late, tanning at the beach, and enjoying their last days of freedom before college. Not 18 year old, Corey Permann. Instead, he would spend his summer figuring out a way to bring joy to seniors with memory-impairment at Silverado Senior Living – Escondido.
A Boy Scout for as long as he can remember, an important part of Corey’s life has been contributing to the community and helping others. While most children are lucky enough to know their grandparents, Corey grew up with dozens of grandparents.
For the past seven years, Corey’s mother, Carilyn Long, has been working at Silverado. Thanks to the company’s philosophy that children should be an integral part of the community’s environment, Carilyn brought him to work with her on a regular basis.
He first visited the Escondido community at the age of 12. Carilyn says, “I was always comfortable bringing him to the community. Between the caregivers, nurses, and other associates, there is always a really good feeling when I walk in. No matter what is going on, the residents and the community always look great. It is a warm living environment. If there isn’t a club event or activity happening, pets are running down the hallways and people are interacting. Our Escondido associates really know their residents and they love their work. It was a great learning environment for Corey.”
Corey remembers, “I used to visit the communities and help the activities director with games and outings.” While other kids his age were sometimes uneasy around seniors, he says, “I am always comfortable with older people because I’m used to it. I grew up with them.”
Nearing completion of becoming an Eagle Scout, Corey wanted to do something special for the residents. Knowing how many of them enjoy the outdoors and gardening, he decided to fund and build a portable planter box for residents to plant, tend and enjoy.
To acquire funding for his project, Corey asked for donations from local businesses. While a large donation from Ace Coolers helped, he asked his friends to help with a fund-raising car wash to get the rest of the money for supplies. Working with Silverado’s plant operations team, Corey built and painted the box in three days. Once complete, he invited the residents to help plant beautiful flowers. Corey says, “My favorite part was working with everyone to fill the planter. It just feels good to make the residents happy.”
Now planted, residents and associates enjoy the generous gift from Corey, a young man who grew up and gave back to Silverado.
