Only about a quarter of the residents at the Atrium receive regular visitors. But once a month, a club at Boca High called Glamour Gals provides companionship and manicures to those staying at the assisted living facility.
The Boca High chapter of Glamour Gals was started by 18-year-old Lyla Wolf when she was a sophomore. Although she said the club has difficulty getting a sponsor and a nursing home to volunteer at, they eventually found a good partner in the Atrium.
Some club members said that they originally joined just as a way to receive community service hours, but soon realized it was a life-changing experience. One of these club members is rising senior Aline Barakat, who joined Glamour Glas with her twin sister, Celine.
“It teaches you a lot,” said Barakat. “It’s not just about doing nails. You learn a lot from the residents. They share their experiences about life [and] give advice. When you’re doing their nails, you really connect with them and change their perspective on life. You give them hope to keep going and they give the same back.”
A resident who gets her nails done every time the Glamour Gals visits is 82-year-old Gay Gentry.
“It’s fun to have your nails done,” said Gentry, who likes to have her nails painted pink and red. “To have it done by someone who is the age of your grandchildren and listen to them talk about what school is like, what life is like, what they’re interested in in the future, what they enjoy doing….And I enjoy listening to the conversations amongst the girls while they’re doing your nails.”
Club members say that future plans include trying to recruit male volunteers to better relate to male residents.
