Herralink

Herralink is made up of a diverse team of dedicated high schoolers who have volunteered with Herralink and experienced the activities firsthand, led by hard-working, compassionate, and ambitious founder Isabella Solano. We currently impact over 2,000 seniors, have 600+ volunteers, partner with 11 homes, and 30 high schools in the Northern Virginia area.

Our mission is to address the loneliness epidemic plaguing our senior communities by creating spaces where residents feel valued, seen, and heard. We are rooted in the belief that everyone benefits from friendship and engaging interactions. As a HerraHelper, you have the unique opportunity to enrich the lives of seniors, gain insights and wisdom beyond your years, and earn service hours—all through the act of building authentic relationships. We connect high school students in Northern Virginia with seniors in retirement homes. Students can earn service hours by applying to be a HerraHelper and doing activities with senior citizens. Activities include art, games, bingo, and chit-chatting and more in a various locations, open to all high schoolers. Herralink bridges the gap between generations, changing the world one actitivity at a time. Engage in the opportunitiy to develop stronger social skills, improved self-esteem, and more positive attitudes toward aging​. Students report a greater sense of purpose, identity, and connection with their communities, in addition to a diversified perspective​. Not to mention the extensive, proven benefits social interaction has on the mental, physical, and cognitive health of older adults. We’ve been creating intergenerational friendships since October 2023.