South Carolina’s older adult population is among the fastest growing populations in the nation. Alarmingly, approximately 10% of older adults in South Carolina are below the federal poverty level. Previous research indicates severe socioeconomic stressors contribute to declines in quality of life (QOL) including physical and mental health, social functioning, and emotional well-being. Functional and cognitive limitations associated with older adults living with disabilities restrict older adults from being significant contributors in South Carolina communities. As QOL measures decline older adults become more at risk for social isolation and debilitating depression. Older adults are rapidly emerging as a marginalized group requiring innovative strategies to mitigate social justice barriers and to facilitate community empowerment.

Providing Alternatives to Leadership & Support (PALS) is a community action project created in conjunction with South Carolina Diversity Leaders Initiative and The Riley Institute at Furman University. PALS aims to empower older adults attending adult daycare centers (ADCs) by bridging generational and communication gaps between older adults and younger, emerging leaders. Social consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the urgency to re-establish intergenerational relationships throughout communities in South Carolina. PALS connects community ADCs with local middle schools and high schools for mutually beneficial programming. PALS established its first partnership between Active Day of Greer and Riverside Middle School. In consideration of COVID-19 risks, PALS has developed a stepwise program that is initiated with letter writing and video chats. PALS plans to foster face-to-face meetings following reduction of COVID-19 cases, removal of the South Carolina state of emergency and clearance for non-medical personnel to re-enter Active Day facilities in the state. The circle of justice that PALS creates allows older adults to remain productive and valued in the community while igniting a sense of community responsibility in young, emerging leaders.