A pawn sacrificed... but a friend gained

Along the line of chess boards that span St. Vincent de Paul's Dream Center, Victoria, age 10, sat engrossed in a game of chess she had just started. Nothing was unusual about this, but what was unusual was her opponent: Tobias, a senior citizen. 

Tobias isn't a volunteer in the center that offers educational enrichment alongside the Family Dining Room's dinner service. Tobias is a resident at SVdP's Ozanam Manor, one of the nonprofit's transitional housing programs for veterans, people 55+, and people with disabilities. 

Transitional housing residents receive three meals a day in the dining room and are welcomed in during Family Evening Meal service. 

"Tobias was very excited to learn that he was welcome to join the chess table in the Dream Center," said Cindy Bernardo, the Family Evening Meal program manager. "At first, he wanted to sharpen his skills and have an opponent that he could teach moves to. He learned quickly from our top chess player that the kids can teach the adults a move or two."

Jason, the Dream Center's chess tutor, matches players, and it was he who put Victoria and Tobias together. 

"It’s a wonderful experience for both the residents and the kids of Dream Center to experience one another, starting as strangers. It takes patience on both ends to appreciate each other’s gifts," Cindy said. "The kids learn that the adults have weaknesses, and the residents learn the strengths of the kids. Everyone can learn from each other, no matter the age or stage of life."

They enjoyed their first match, and both are looking forward to facing their new friend again whenever the opportunity presents itself.