In a world where the generational gap often feels like an insurmountable divide, a group of enterprising and empathetic young individuals has taken it upon themselves to bridge it. They call themselves the Klotho Foundation, a youth organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of senior citizens.
Named after Klotho, the Greek goddess associated with the thread of life, this foundation’s mission is to weave together the experiences and wisdom of the elderly with the energy and enthusiasm of the youth.
The Klotho Foundation was born out of a simple, yet profound idea: to make a meaningful difference in the lives of senior citizens. It all began when Nishok Sakthivel, now a senior at Olentangy Orange High School, and his friends, volunteered at a local nursing home during their summer break. They were deeply moved by the stories and experiences shared by the residents, and it sparked a realization that many seniors suffer from loneliness and a lack of engagement with the community.
Determined to address this issue, Sakthivel founded the Klotho Foundation, aiming to create a structured and sustainable approach to helping seniors. What started as a small initiative in Ohio quickly grew into a robust organization with ten chapters across the state and a presence in five different states.
The Klotho Foundation’s leadership team exemplifies the organization’s commitment to collaboration and equality. Alongside Sakthivel, the foundation’s founder, the leadership includes Vice President Harshith Paul Nesaraja and Secretary Clement Chow, both juniors at Olentangy Orange High School. The legal manager, Satvik Pochiraju, is a junior at Olentangy High School. Despite their different positions, a strong point of the Klotho Foundation is that all these individuals work together in a council system with equal votes and voices to achieve the best outcomes.
The council system is a unique approach that the Klotho Foundation has implemented to ensure that all decisions are made democratically and with the input of every team member. This system means that each leader, regardless of their title, has an equal say in the decision-making process. Meetings are held regularly where ideas and proposals are discussed openly, and every member’s perspective is valued. This method fosters a sense of unity and collective responsibility, ensuring that the foundation’s activities reflect a broad consensus rather than the direction of a single individual.
The Klotho Foundation’s growth has been nothing short of remarkable. Each chapter is driven by passionate young volunteers who organize various activities and programs designed to improve the quality of life for senior citizens. These activities include:
• Managed by Oscar Paredes, a senior at Olentangy Orange High School, the orchestra program oversees up to 10 monthly events. These musical performances bring joy and comfort to seniors, creating memorable experiences through the power of music.
• The foundation also hosts regular jazz band performances. These events, managed by co-band managers Sivansh Bisoyi, a sophomore, and Krish Parikh, a senior at Olentangy Orange High School, provide lively and engaging entertainment for the seniors, adding rhythm and melody to their lives.
• The foundation organizes various volunteer events, including game nights, arts and crafts nights, and their latest and biggest hit, casino night. These events provide opportunities for seniors to socialize and engage in fun activities, alleviating loneliness and promoting a sense of community.
Each event is meticulously planned and executed to ensure maximum engagement and enjoyment for the seniors. The orchestra and jazz band events are not just performances; they are interactive experiences where seniors can groove to the beat of the music. Volunteer events like game nights and arts and crafts nights are designed to stimulate the minds and spirits of the seniors, offering them a chance to learn new skills and hobbies. Casino night has become a favorite, bringing the excitement of a casino to the senior community in a safe and controlled environment.
The Klotho Foundation has 10 chapters in Ohio: Fairview, Canton, Belpre, Dublin, Perrysburg, Wooster, Washington Court House, Minerva, Newton Falls and Delphos. Additionally, the foundation has expanded beyond Ohio with chapters in Louisville, Kentucky; Dallas, Texas; Plainsboro, New Jersey; and Orlando, Florida. Each chapter operates with the same commitment to the foundation’s mission, tailoring its events to meet the specific needs and preferences of its local senior communities.
The impact of the Klotho Foundation’s efforts is evident in the heartfelt testimonials from seniors and their families. Many seniors express how much they look forward to the visits and events, describing them as the highlights of their week. Families appreciate the support and companionship provided to their loved ones, knowing that they are in caring hands.
The foundation is ramping up its efforts, aiming to positively impact seniors almost daily. With an ambitious goal to hold five events a week, they are currently just shy of this target, hosting three to four events weekly for their main chapter. This increased frequency of events is part of their strategy to ensure seniors have regular opportunities for engagement and socialization.
As the Klotho Foundation continues to grow, its vision remains clear: to create a world where seniors are valued, respected, and actively engaged in the community. The foundation is exploring new ways to expand its reach, including partnerships with local businesses and other nonprofit organizations. By fostering a culture of intergenerational solidarity, the Klotho Foundation is not only enhancing the lives of seniors but also teaching young people the importance of empathy, compassion, and community service.
The Klotho Foundation stands as a testament to the power of youth-driven initiatives and the profound impact they can have on society. Through their dedication and hard work, these young volunteers are not just helping senior citizens; they are building a more connected, compassionate, and inclusive world for all generations. From their musical performances to their innovative volunteer events, the Klotho Foundation is making a difference in the lives of elders, proving that age is just a number when it comes to making meaningful connections and positive change.
This article was written by Nishok Sakthivel and edited by William Wang, an Olentangy Liberty High School student and a member of the Powell Youth Council, a 15-student-governed nonprofit organization recognized and partnered with the Powell government that Wang created in March of 2022. Powell Youth Council’s purpose is to give a voice and power to the youth of Powell in local decisions and projects, show how local leaders create projects and decisions, and motivate the youth to help their community.
