For some students in the Social Service Worker-Gerontology program, selling coffee and treats was a great way to raise money for a good cause - the Alzheimer Society of Windsor-Essex County.
But for Kaela Henderson, a recent graduate of the program, the event took on a new meaning.
Students and faculty in the Social Service Worker - Gerontology program are joined by graduate Kaela Henderson at their Coffee Break' fundraiser for the Alzheimer Society on Nov. 13, 2025. (Rich Garton/St. Clair College)
"I was very, very involved in last year's first coffee break," said Henderson, who now volunteers at the Alzheimer Society. She was invited by Prof. Alex Frabotta to return to this year's event to help connect the dots to industry, mentor the current students and provide information and resources about her current role.
Henderson joined the students for the annual Coffee Break event in the cafeteria at Main Windsor Campus on Nov. 13, but unlike last year, she didn't spend any time selling coffee.
"I've had a lot of them already approach me looking for words of wisdom, advice about placements, asking for help and advice," said Henderson, who graduated this past June. "I'm not so far removed from it that I forget, and I can just offer up whatever advice I can."
Henderson, who is currently on parental leave but still volunteering at the organization a few times a week, said her journey to the Alzheimer Society started with a passion for helping others as a teenager. Life temporarily took her in a different direction, until she decided to pursue her passion and attend St. Clair College.
"I put it off for way too long, and then I found exactly what I'm supposed to be doing through this program," she said. "I'm supposed to be working in gerontology. I'm supposed to be working in dementia care - that's my passion, and this program allowed me to do that."
"Coming back here and seeing other people excited about the same thing is really cool, and we can all connect on that," said Henderson.
First-year student Jackie Nehnetallah is among those students who benefitted from the interaction.
"This is what I wanted, this is why I went," said Nehnetallah. "I went to her, and I talked with her about placement, because I'm really excited for that part."
"I wanted to know what her experience has been like, because she graduated from here," she said. "She really helped me."
Frabotta said bringing former students in to speak with current students is a great way to drive engagement and highlight the opportunities available to graduates.
"Kaela completed her final field placement at The Alzheimer Society, and they loved her so much that they then immediately brought her on," said Frabotta.
Aside from connections, the members of the Social Service Worker - Gerontology Club have another reason to be excited: Students managed to raise $650 and decided to top the donation.
The club will be presenting the Alzheimer Society with a cheque for $1,000, which will go towards supporting local programming for the organization's clients.
"It feels amazing that you can be a part of that to help people," Nehnetallah said.
