Nurturing Roots, Growing Connections: Honoring Sally Keyes and Older Americans Month

As we celebrate Older Americans Month, we’re honored to spotlight the remarkable individuals like Sally Keyes, a cherished member of the Touching Hearts at Home family in Dayton, Ohio. Sally’s story exemplifies the profound impact older adults have on our communities, and the meaningful connections we have the privilege to nurture through home care.

Sally Keyes has dedicated her life to education, spending many years as a beloved 6th-grade teacher at Carroll High School before transitioning to teaching Spanish for the last six years of her career. Throughout her tenure, Sally noticed a growing disconnect between people and the source of their food. She recognized the importance of understanding where our food comes from and sought to bridge this gap in knowledge.

Driven by her passion for education and nature, Sally played a pivotal role in the success of Learning Tree Farm—a local nonprofit dedicated to outdoor education. Founded in 1973, Learning Tree Farm started as an outdoor education day for teachers but quickly grew into a thriving organization serving thousands of students and community members.

When asked about the secret to Learning Tree Farm’s success, Sally credits the dedicated volunteers who have helped the organization expand its reach over the years. From nature-based field trips to ongoing community programs and events, Learning Tree Farm has touched the lives of over 18,000 people annually, including 8,000 students from 130 schools.

Sally’s commitment to fostering connections and enriching lives extends beyond the classroom and into her community. Now, as a client of Touching Hearts at Home, Sally continues to inspire us with her resilience, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to making a difference.

At Touching Hearts at Home, we’re honored to provide support and companionship to individuals like Sally, who have given so much to our communities. As we celebrate Older Americans Month, let’s honor the invaluable contributions of older adults like Sally and recognize the power of connection in enriching our lives.

Thank you, Sally, for your extraordinary impact and for reminding us of the importance of fostering meaningful connections at every stage of life.

To learn more about Touching Hearts at Home and how we support older adults in Dayton and beyond, visit our website today.