> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Santa Monica student launches program pairing teens with seniors to fight loneliness - URL: https://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-student-launches-program-pairing-teens-with-seniors-to-fight-loneliness/ - Published: 2026-08-17T16:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-17T16:00:00.000Z - Author: Maaz Alin - Tags: Community, Mid City When Kyleigh Belle Butler was little, her grandfather was the strongest person she knew — always moving, always helping others, always there when someone needed him. As she grew up, she watched aging take its toll. These days, even walking is hard for him, and though he does not like asking for help, he lets her step in. "His trust in me made me realize just how important it is for older adults to have someone who genuinely cares about them," Butler said. That realization became Belle's Moments, a student-led organization Butler founded to connect teenagers with retirement home residents through monthly visits, activities and friendships. This fall, the 15-year-old New Roads School sophomore will launch the program at two senior living communities — Ivy Park Santa Monica and Westmont Culver City — pairing [student](https://www.smdp.com/five-smc-students-selected-for-competitive-space-camp-scholarship/) volunteers with residents in an effort to reduce loneliness among older adults. Butler, whose middle name is Belle, credits her grandparents — whom she calls her Grandma and Papa — as the inspiration for the organization. "It breaks my heart knowing that not every senior has grandchildren, a friend, or family member to spend time with them or remind them that they're loved," she said. The idea did not begin as a formal program. Butler said Belle's Moments started as a passion project for Pretty Brown Girls, a summer program that asked participants to turn something they cared about into something meaningful. She considered many causes before returning, again and again, to older adults. "Senior citizens have spent their lives contributing to their families and communities yet they're often overlooked," Butler said. "That was the moment I realized this wasn't just about my own grandparents, it could become a program that actually brings joy and meaningful friendships to seniors and teenagers." The organization's mission, as Butler describes it, is to bridge generations by empowering young people to build relationships with older adults through service, compassion and shared experiences. Her vision is a world where every older adult experiences meaningful connection and every young person discovers the power of service. Butler said the program has not yet held its first official monthly visit, but she and others involved have spent considerable time planning what those gatherings will look like. The goal is for each volunteer to spend about an hour building a genuine friendship with a resident rather than simply stopping by for a quick activity. A typical visit will likely begin with everyone gathering for a few minutes before students pair off with residents, she said. From there, pairs might talk about life, play cards or board games, do a craft, listen to music, or celebrate birthdays and holidays. Some visits may feature performances or special activities. "The most important part isn't the activity, it's making sure each resident has something to look forward to every month," Butler said. For Butler, a student with a full schedule, the potential impact made the commitment worthwhile. "Knowing that even one friendship could brighten someone's life reminded me why this work matters and motivated me to keep going even with my busy schedule," she said. She said her family has been a driving force. When she told her grandmother about Belle's Moments, "she couldn't stop telling me how proud she was," Butler said, and her grandfather has been sending her resources about nonprofits to help her prepare. Teenagers interested in volunteering can complete an application on the organization's website, bellesmoments.org, or email Butler directly at bellesmomentsca@gmail.com. The time commitment is minimal — just one visit each month, with the length depending on the activity. Students who cannot volunteer because of sports, clubs or other activities can still help by sharing the mission with their communities, she said. Butler calls Belle's Moments a movement, and she has ambitions well beyond a single home. She hopes to expand nationwide, bring the program to schools where students lack access to service opportunities and, eventually, offer scholarships to students committed to giving back. But the ultimate measure of success, she said, is not the number of visits. "Success means the friendships continue long after the program ends with teens and their resident partners staying connected because they genuinely care about one another," Butler said. Her larger dream, she said, is "to build a movement that bridges generations, inspires young leaders, and ensures every older adult feels seen, valued, and loved." More information about Belle's Moments is available at [bellesmoments.org](https://www.bellesmoments.org/about?ref=smdp.com).