About Young At Heart
Welcome to Young at Heart, where we combine painting and people to create unforgettable experiences. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional service and helping you and your community foster creativity and more connection.
Our Beliefs
At Young at Heart we believe that art has the power to inspire and connect people. We are committed to creating unique and engaging experiences that bring out the creativity in every individual, no matter what age.
Our Story
In the fall of 2017, Kimberley's grandmother moved into a long-term care home. As a devoted family member, Kimberley often visited her on weekends and evenings, finding her surrounded by a group of residents. Having worked in long-term care for over 8 years, Kimberley understood the vital importance of engaging programs for seniors. Sadly, her grandmother passed away that Fall. Inspired by her grandmother's memory and the desire to make a difference, Kimberley decided to create a project dedicated to bringing joy and creativity to seniors.
By January 2018, Kimberley decided she was going to teach seniors to paint. Drawing on her experience in long-term care, she reached out to her friend Natalie, who worked at Amica Retirement Home in Barrie, Ontario. Natalie eagerly agreed to host the first session. Although Kimberley had never taught painting before (and was quite nervous), she guided the seniors through the class, creating a warm and engaging experience. At the end of the session, the residents expressed their enthusiasm, asking Kimberley to return every other week. Kimberley was deeply moved by their response and decided to explore the possibility of expanding this program to other homes.
Within the first year, Young at Heart had reached over 1,200 seniors. By March 2020, the program had grown to include over 25 locations. Unfortunately, the program was put on pause due to the challenges posed by the pandemic. It was a really tough time, a lot of the senior artists we would never see again and we weren't able to enter the homes.
With strength and perseverance and in 2023, as the world slowly returned to normalcy, Young at Heart Painting resumed its sessions, adapting to the new circumstances. Kimberley received a call from one of the homes asking if she could bring her painting sessions back. She did, and by the end of the year, they had taught 1,600 seniors, with the demand continuing to grow.
Now, in 2024, Young at Heart boasts a team of seven talented artists who have brought their creative sessions to 50 locations across Ontario and soon to be San Diego. Together, they have impacted over 8,000 seniors.
One of the most heartwarming aspects of this work is seeing the hands go up when the artist asks, "Who has never painted before?" The joy on the seniors' faces as they realize they can create something beautiful from start to finish is truly priceless. After each session, the residents are overjoyed with their achievements, often making lighthearted jokes about where they’ll hang their masterpieces—some suggest the laundry room, while others claim they’ll keep their work a secret. But amidst the laughter and light-hearted banter, the residents experience genuine happiness and pride. The residents often joke that their paintings could sell for millions of dollars, and this playful banter adds to the fun and camaraderie of the sessions.
Over the course of working in retirement living and long-term care homes, one neat trend they've noticed is that nurses often say, “What about us?” They receive numerous requests from nurses, caregivers, and managers for team events. Since YAH started, they've had the pleasure of teaching hundreds of these dedicated professionals—nurses, caregivers, family members, and facility managers—who work so hard and deserve some fun too. These team events not only provide a creative outlet but also support their well-being, especially when they're taking care of our loved ones.
For Kimberley, each session is a way to honor her grandmother's legacy. In every senior she teaches, she sees a reflection of her grandmother, knowing that she would be immensely proud of the joy and fulfillment that Young at Heart brings to so many lives.
For further information about Young at Heart or if you would let to help at all, please call
Kimberley Smith at 416-300-2887
Thank you for believing in us.
By January 2018, Kimberley decided she was going to teach seniors to paint. Drawing on her experience in long-term care, she reached out to her friend Natalie, who worked at Amica Retirement Home in Barrie, Ontario. Natalie eagerly agreed to host the first session. Although Kimberley had never taught painting before (and was quite nervous), she guided the seniors through the class, creating a warm and engaging experience. At the end of the session, the residents expressed their enthusiasm, asking Kimberley to return every other week. Kimberley was deeply moved by their response and decided to explore the possibility of expanding this program to other homes.
Within the first year, Young at Heart had reached over 1,200 seniors. By March 2020, the program had grown to include over 25 locations. Unfortunately, the program was put on pause due to the challenges posed by the pandemic. It was a really tough time, a lot of the senior artists we would never see again and we weren't able to enter the homes.
With strength and perseverance and in 2023, as the world slowly returned to normalcy, Young at Heart Painting resumed its sessions, adapting to the new circumstances. Kimberley received a call from one of the homes asking if she could bring her painting sessions back. She did, and by the end of the year, they had taught 1,600 seniors, with the demand continuing to grow.
Now, in 2024, Young at Heart boasts a team of seven talented artists who have brought their creative sessions to 50 locations across Ontario and soon to be San Diego. Together, they have impacted over 8,000 seniors.
One of the most heartwarming aspects of this work is seeing the hands go up when the artist asks, "Who has never painted before?" The joy on the seniors' faces as they realize they can create something beautiful from start to finish is truly priceless. After each session, the residents are overjoyed with their achievements, often making lighthearted jokes about where they’ll hang their masterpieces—some suggest the laundry room, while others claim they’ll keep their work a secret. But amidst the laughter and light-hearted banter, the residents experience genuine happiness and pride. The residents often joke that their paintings could sell for millions of dollars, and this playful banter adds to the fun and camaraderie of the sessions.
Over the course of working in retirement living and long-term care homes, one neat trend they've noticed is that nurses often say, “What about us?” They receive numerous requests from nurses, caregivers, and managers for team events. Since YAH started, they've had the pleasure of teaching hundreds of these dedicated professionals—nurses, caregivers, family members, and facility managers—who work so hard and deserve some fun too. These team events not only provide a creative outlet but also support their well-being, especially when they're taking care of our loved ones.
For Kimberley, each session is a way to honor her grandmother's legacy. In every senior she teaches, she sees a reflection of her grandmother, knowing that she would be immensely proud of the joy and fulfillment that Young at Heart brings to so many lives.
For further information about Young at Heart or if you would let to help at all, please call
Kimberley Smith at 416-300-2887
Thank you for believing in us.
