Girl Scout Troop Spreads Smiles at St. John’s Home

Local Girl Scout Troop 60811 has made its mission to have a positive impact on the residents and staff at St. John’s Home. After a difficult year for everyone, but most especially for long-term care facilities, the girls and their leaders wanted to find ways to help those whom they felt could use an extra smile.

The goal was simple: “to be sure residents and staff knew they were loved.” When the scouts started this project in December 2020, loved ones were unable to enter the building to visit.  Troop leaders knew how lonely it could be for residents and they relayed that message to the girls. Their efforts began with hand written Christmas cards to residents and then painted hearts for Valentine’s Day. Most recently, the scouts dropped off candy filled Easter eggs with messages encouraging staff members to “keep up the great work.”

“We hope that during this difficult time the girls have learned to not focus on the negative, but instead focus on how they can make a positive impact,” says Troop Leader Julie Tracz.

Once the weather allows for it, the scouts plan to return to St. John’s Home and write encouraging messages with chalk in the parking lot for both residents and staff to enjoy. “We look forward to the day we can come and spread some smiles in person,” says Julie.

We are grateful and honored that Girl Scout Troop 60811 chose St. John’s as a cause to rally around. The thoughtfulness found throughout the Rochester, New York community continues to astonish all of us at St. John’s. To Troop 60811, their troop leaders, and all others who dedicate their time to make the lives of our residents and staff better every day, you can certainly witness the impact a gesture as simple as a card or an encouraging message can have on a person’s day.