05/28/2026
Bringing different generations together is magical, and the story behind how it started makes it even more special.
Over a decade ago, Patti, then the Sarpy County/ESU #3 Head Start Child Development Manager, pitched an idea rooted in a simple but powerful observation. Many of the children at Golden Hills Head Start come from military families and don't always have access to their grandparents. Meanwhile, our residents absolutely light up around children. Patti saw the opportunity, reached out to Hillcrest and the Grandfriends program was born.
Golden Hills was chosen because of its proximity to Mable Rose, and the business owner, Jolene, embraced the idea from the start. What began as a vision to promote reading and inter-generational connection has now become a cherished part of our community for the past 11 years.
The kids at Golden Hills Head Start have so many Grandfriends, and we would not have it any other way. We love being an active part of our community and we are proud of the partnership we have built together.