It’s hard to believe that Nyla Armstrong is now in college. We had gotten to know Nyla through her grand-mother, resident, Cynthia Armstrong over the several years she visited her grandmother, Cynthia, along with her mom, Anya and her aunt Andrea.

Not only was Nyla a top student, she was also a teen pageant winner. So, it was a delight to hear Nyla on the phone a few weeks ago to learn she was a student at Kean University in their Graphic Arts program, and then to learn the reason for her call…

As part of an art class community project, Nyla explained: “Our freshmen art class chose to paint pictures for the elderly that would make them smile. When we chose that project, my mind went to you and the staff at the Cliffs who helped me, my mother, my aunt and especially my grandmother. It really means a lot to me that we can send these paintings to you and the members at The Cliffs as a thank you for all you did for us”. 

I asked Nyla for a message from her to the residents. Here is what she said: “We hope this project made you smile, because your smile is the shining light that we worked for…” Nyla not only brought a smile to our residents, but to the staff as well, knowing that the care they give day to day makes a difference in people’s lives, and not just the Cliffs resident, but their families as well.