Uniendo Generaciones: An evening of love, community and connection

(En Espanol)
 

Music was enjoyed by both Latino seniors and young adults during a Valentine’s celebration titled Uniendo Generaciones (“Uniting Generations”) held in Indianapolis on Feb. 20. (Submitted photo)

By Jose Quintana (Special to The Criterion)

It was about building community and allowing generations to come together and learn about each other.

On Feb. 20, the archdiocese’s Hispanic Young Adult Ministry, known as Pastoral Juvenil Hispana (PJH), hosted a special Valentine’s celebration titled Uniendo Generaciones (“Uniting Generations”).

The event brought together Latino seniors and young adults for an evening filled with music, food, games and meaningful connection.

The vision behind Uniendo Generaciones, organizers said, was simple yet powerful: to create a space where young adults and seniors could come together, share their stories, and remind one another that they belong to a vibrant and caring community.

Many elderly individuals, especially within Hispanic communities, face isolation and loneliness. This event sought to interrupt that isolation by fostering relationships rooted in dignity, joy and mutual respect.

The event was a collaboration of PJH with the organization Mejorando Juntos Indiana (“Better Together Indiana”), whose mission is to enhance the well-being of Latino seniors by fostering community, sparking vitality and improving health. Its work emphasizes social connection, mental wellness and intergenerational engagement.

The group’s commitment to affirming the dignity and belonging of Latino seniors was reflected in every aspect of the event. The partnership between PJH and Mejorando Juntos Indiana highlighted a shared vision: strengthening the community by building bridges between generations.

The event took place at the Indiana Donor Network, whose generosity in providing the space allowed seniors and volunteers to gather in a welcoming environment.

From the moment guests arrived, they were greeted with smiles and a festive Valentine’s atmosphere. PJH volunteers welcomed seniors, assisted them throughout the evening and sat alongside them during activities. For many young adults, it was an opportunity to learn from the experiences of their elders. For seniors, it was an opportunity to be seen, valued and accompanied.

The evening included dinner, desserts and live jazz music, which brought energy and joy to participants. Many parts of the evening were donated, reflecting the generosity of individuals and businesses to serve the community.

The night also included Bingo, and the seniors cheered for one another and celebrated each win together. A raffle added to the celebration, with prizes given to honor the seniors present. Organizers said these simple, yet meaningful activities created moments of joy and helped strengthen bonds.

“Beyond the activities, the true heart of Uniendo Generaciones was the relationships that were formed,” said Firany Briceño, president and co-foundress of Mejorando Juntos Indiana. “The event reflected the importance of presence, simply taking the time to listen, accompany and share life together.

“Social connection is essential to emotional and mental well-being, and gatherings like this remind seniors that they are not alone. At the same time, young adults were given the opportunity to grow in compassion, leadership and service.”

Uniendo Generaciones was more than a Valentine’s event: it was a celebration of community, dignity and love in action, noted Briceño.

“It reflected PJH’s mission to accompany young adults in their faith and empower them to serve others, while also supporting the important work of Mejorando Juntos Indiana in uplifting Latino seniors,” she said.

Members of PJH were happy to see that as the evening came to a close, guests left with smiles, gratitude and a renewed sense of belonging. While the event lasted only a few hours, they hope its impact will continue through the relationships formed and the reminder that when generations come together, the entire community is strengthened.
 

(Jose Quintana is an intern in the archdiocesan Office of Hispanic Ministry and a junior at Marian University, both in Indianapolis.) †