What is Soul Healing Heroes

Soul Healing Heroes is SoulRapha’s signature internship program that empowers students to build meaningful connections with older adults while exploring careers in healthcare, storytelling, and community leadership. Through guided mentorship, hands-on experiences, and heart-centered service, interns become part of a movement to heal, uplift, and end senior isolation—one relationship at a time.

  • April 2024:
    Launch of the Soul Healing Heroes Online Platform, featuring:

    • Agilities/skills assessments

    • Introduction to SoulRapha’s mission and vision

    • Education on the older adult care crisis

    • Training in communication and relationship-building with seniors

    • Career literacy expansion in healthcare pathways

  • May 2024:

    • Established a strategic partnership with Oakmont of Orange to launch the Older Adult Mentorship Program.

    • Official program launch with YoungLife Ministries, including:

      • Sponsored Soul Healing Heroes scholarships for YoungLife students

      • First cohort of students completed both online and in-person mentorship components

  • August 2024:
    Launched partnership with Santa Ana College Nursing/Medical Sciences Department with 20 student nurses joining the Soul Healing Heroes Internship Program.

  • March 2025 (Preview):
    Expansion of the Santa Ana College/Soul Healing Heroes Program with 40 student participants enrolled.

2024 Soul Healing Heroes Program Highlights

Program Goals:

Creating awareness of the aging care crisis for nursing and high school students.

  • Developing empathy and understanding in students.

  • Fostering communication skills through relationships with older adult mentors.

  • Learning from older adults and their life experiences.

  • Expanding career literacy for high school students about healthcare opportunities.

  • Networking opportunities via the Santa Ana College Nursing/Medical Sciences program.

  • Providing meaningful engagement for older adults through mentorship.

Program Impact & Success:

  • Praise from local government officials.

  • Enthusiastic participation and feedback from SAC Students.

  • Enthusiastic participation from high school students.

  • Strong support from local youth organizations.

  • Positive impact noted by facility staff and administration.

  • Endorsement and enthusiasm from the Santa Ana College Nursing/Medical Sciences Department.

Common Experiences:

  • Intergenerational Connection & Personal Growth

    • Many students and mentors bonded over shared life experiences, finding comfort in their similarities.

    • Older mentors shared wisdom about careers, relationships, and personal hardships, which deeply resonated with students.

    Storytelling & Memory Sharing

    • Mentors enjoyed recounting their past experiences, including love stories, career achievements, travels, and historical events.

    • Students noted how vividly older adults remembered and relived their stories, often bringing them joy.

  • Perspective on Aging & Resilience

    • Students’ perceptions of older adults changed, realizing they are still vibrant, independent, and full of wisdom.

    • The experience challenged misconceptions that aging only involves decline, highlighting resilience and lifelong learning.

  • Life Lessons & Career Advice

    • Mentors emphasized kindness, patience, and following one's passion as keys to a fulfilling life and career.

    • Many encouraged students to always help others but also prioritize self-care.

  • Health & Emotional Well-being

    • Mentors openly discussed health challenges like memory loss, mobility issues, and chronic conditions.

    • Despite hardships, most maintained a positive outlook and encouraged students to value health, relationships, and experiences.

Most Positive Comments About the Experience:

  • I“I was able to connect my own story to hers, and it made me feel hopeful for my future.”

  • “Their wisdom and kindness made a lasting impact on me.”

  • “Spending time with them brought me peace, especially during stressful times.”

  • “This experience changed my perception of older adults—I see them as independent, vibrant, and full of life.”

  • “I learned that kindness and patience are the most important qualities, not just in nursing, but in life.”

  • “My mentor showed me that even as we age, we can still dream, love, and grow.”

  • “I didn’t expect to make a real friend, but I did.”

  • “I look forward to continuing this relationship even after the program.”