In the News: Olivia Morris '27 dedicates her filmmaking talent to help Friends of the Nathaniel Witherall

One of our Sacred Heart Greenwich students, Olivia Morris '27 was featured in the news about her volunteer work at Friends of The Nathanial Witherell. Please read below and enjoy! See the Greenwich Sentinel article here. 

Debra McLaughlin, a Sacred Heart Greenwich parent of an alumna, reached out to the Filmmaking and Media Studies department with a special opportunity. She asked for a volunteer to produce a series of student-led podcasts whereby residents, volunteers, and staff of Friends of The Nathaniel Witherall could talk about the positive impact that Friends has had on residents' experiences. 

Friends of The Nathaniel Witherell is the charitable organization in service to The Nathaniel Witherell, Greenwich’s not-for-profit, skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility. Friends enhances the well-being of its residents by funding programs like music, art and companionship through the generosity of its donors.  

Olivia Morris visited The Nathaniel Witherell over her spring break and independently filmed and edited five podcasts. Olivia's podcasts will live on the Friends website and social media channels and be used to recruit volunteers. 

Olivia shared that her volunteer efforts not only helped others but helped her to learn and develop her skills as someone who gives back to the community in alignment with Sacred Heart Greenwich's commitment to mission. 

Olivia said, "This unique opportunity has taught me the importance of doing what I love to help others. I am glad I was able to help Nathaniel Witherell with my work, and learn about the volunteers, staff, and patients at Nathaniel Witherell. Hearing the heartwarming stories of the volunteers and the meaningful connections they have with their patients was a reminder that even small actions can make a big difference in someone's life.”

One especially poignant moment in the interviews was when a 100-year-old resident called his Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) his "Number 1." He had no more family members left, and so the CNA became like a family member. When the 100-year-old resident died, the CNA mourned him as she would a relative.

This is not the first time that Mrs. McLaughlin has collaborated with Sacred Heart Greenwich filmmakers. In November of 2023, she worked with two students from the Real-World Filmmaking class to create a PSA about Meals on Wheels.

Mrs. McLaughlin said, "Olivia’s dedication — from filming to editing and producing the final products — has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her skillful storytelling and creativity have captured the spirit and vibrancy of our community in a way that words alone could never achieve. Through her volunteer efforts, she has not only contributed valuable content but has also helped amplify the voice of the Friends, bringing greater visibility to our mission of enhancing the lives of the residents at The Nathaniel Witherell."

This year, Olivia and her 16 classmates in the Real-World filmmaking class dedicated months of community service to apply their media skills to producing 17 documentaries for local nonprofits to celebrate Impact FFC's 10th anniversary. 

"It is rare to find such professionalism, commitment, and generosity in someone so young. Olivia’s contributions will have a lasting impact, helping to tell the story of Nathaniel Witherell and the Friends in a way that touches hearts and builds community support. We are so proud and grateful to count her among our volunteers," Ms. McLaughlin said.