OASIS volunteer Sophie Fairley and 4th grader Clarissa Garza discuss nutritious food choices at an after-school program.

By Meaghan Kirk Welch
Contributing Writer

OASIS offers education, activity, and outreach

It’s not Bingo or shuffleboard they’re playing here.

Quick to point out that OASIS is definitely “not like a senior citizen’s program,” Gloria Jennings, Intergenerational Programs coordinator described the organization located at 6161 NW Loop 410 as “a place where folks 50 and over can go to keep their minds alive and their bodies working.”

With a focus on community outreach, this non-profit organization which Jennings calls as “an OASIS for seniors” is about more than just stimulating the mind and staying physically fit. Volunteering ranks high with San Antonio seniors as one of the best ways to maintain an overall well-being.

Pairing older adults with children to focus on good nutrition and physical activity, OASIS volunteers are working with the Northside School District’s federally funded Learning Tree after school program through a grant from the Robert H. Wood Foundation. OASIS of San Antonio was one of four sites across the nation selected to receive the 18-month $45,000 grant for Active Generations, a program designed to prevent obesity and increase physical activity by making changes in habit and environment.

At first, the students at Meadow Village Elementary were a bit shy and awkward toward the seniors showing up at their school, said Jennings.

Friendly faces and fun activities, however, have made quick friends. “When are the old people coming?” asked one student, anxious to meet with his partner as he spotted Jennings setting up in the library.

The eight-week Active Generations program is based on the Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) curriculum which partners mature adults with children in third to fifth grade to make environmental changes in the community that support healthier lifestyles.

Each 90 minute after school session is informative, yet fun. Students are engaged in discussions, games, activities, and the afternoon always ends in learning to put together a healthy snack which everyone gets to try.

“The reason I think this is such a neat program,” said Jennings, is that the older adults are saying, ‘If I can do this at my age, then you can do this at your age.’”

What Jennings is referring to is the Active for Life program at OASIS, an initiative to increase the number of mature adults who engage in regular physical activity. Many graduates of this program go on to serve as role models for children as part of the Active Generations program.

Meadow Village Elementary is the second Northside school to host the intergenerational program with 23 children. The first program, with 15, took place at Villarreal Elementary.

Pleased in the increase of participants, Jennings remarked, “The true joy of a program like this comes from working with children and helping make a difference.”

Making a difference is part of the plan. Along with learning about fat content and nutrition labels, students will conduct a “neighborhood walkability assessment,” said Jennings. In an effort to make positive changes, students, community partners, and the Metropolitan Planning Organization will identify barriers to walking and bicycling.

Children and their families will also participate in a “scavenger hunt” at a local HEB store, using the information they’ve learned in the Active Generations program and a $25 gift certificate to make some healthy choices of their own.

“This program has shown that adults and children can work together to make changes that support healthier lifestyles through environmental changes in their community and increasing awareness of better nutrition and increased physical activity,” commented Brenda Schmachtenberger, director of OASIS, San Antonio.

“It’s a lot of fun and it tastes good too!” said Clarissa Garza of her new creation - Ants on a Loan - DACH celery, peanut butter and raisins. Laughter and smiles attest to the best part of the afternoon for child and adult.

OASIS counts 360,000 members from 26 cities nationwide. San Antonio membership is up to 17,000.

The mission of OASIS is to enhance the quality of life for mature adults through education, physical activity, and community outreach.

Active Generations is just one of the many volunteer opportunities for seniors — reading programs, tutoring, peer support, health fairs, and work at the OASIS center are ensuring a positive impact on the community.

To maintain active minds, OASIS offers 800 challenging courses each year.

“Icons and their Meaning in Byzantine Art,” Aromatherapy, “French Bistro Cooking,” and a discussion of Steinbeck’s writings are just a few.

To stay fit, seniors are choosing line dancing, Tai Chi, yoga, and Aqua Stretch in sessions “led by volunteers who are experts in their field,” as Jennings put it. Technology courses are also a favorite.

“We offer everything from computer basics to digital photography and buying and selling on eBay,” she said, noting that 40 percent of classes are free.

OASIS membership is free and local sponsors include Macy’s, the city of San Antonio, Warm Springs Rehabilitation and WellMed.