Who we are
A simple idea. A profound impact.
Herralink is built on the belief that intergenerational relationships can spark lasting friendships and give volunteers of all ages meaningful experiences they can carry into their communities.
Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads art workshop
Goodwin Living
Powered by purpose
Goodwin Living is a not-for-profit organization guided by a powerful mission: to support, honor and uplift the lives of older adults and those who care for them.
Through senior living, health services, groundbreaking programs and its charitable foundation, Goodwin Living brings that mission to life across communities in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Herralink is part of that same commitment, expanding what care can look like by bringing generations together for meaningful engagement and true connection.
Our story
Isabella Solano started volunteering at Gainesville Health & Rehab after learning that many older adults rarely had visitors. What began as a chance to serve quickly became something far more personal. The residents she visited became her closest friends, some in their 80s.
Around the same time, Isabella met Youna and Aadhya, two Centreville High School students looking for service hours. They found the same thing she did: a simple visit could turn into a real friendship. Together, they built a website overnight, sent out a sign-up form and hoped other students would feel called to join them.
2023
October 14, 2023
Herralink hosts its first event at Gainesville Health & Rehab.
2024
2023 – January 2024
Herralink expands across Northern Virginia and Washington D.C., serving 15 senior communities.
2024
September 2024
Youna and Aadhya join Herralink.
2025
March 25, 2025
Herralink becomes part of Goodwin Living, creating a larger platform for growth.
2026
Today
Today, Herralink serves 15 senior living communities, includes more than 1,200 volunteers from 70 high schools and colleges and continues to bring generations together through friendly visits, activities and lasting relationships.
August 2023, three Centreville High School students turned an inspiring nursing home visit into Herralink, a nonprofit connecting volunteers with older adults.
In October, Herralink partnered with Gainesville Health & Rehab and hosted its first event with Centerville High School’s robotics team.
Herralink partnered with more communities, including Dulles & Potomac Falls Health & Rehab, and hosted Halloween and Thanksgiving events.
Herralink was endorsed by Springfield Supervisor Pat Herrity to bring Herralink to more communities in Fairfax County!
Herralink brought senior communities to the White House & The Kennedy Center
Herralink also partnered with Jim Scott Community Center and Reston Strong to host intergenerational proms, deliver groceries, and promote volunteerism.
In May 2024 Herralink received an award from Volunteer Fairfax for it’s impact on the local community.
In July 2024 Herralink led an anti-ageism campaign with Fairfax County SHAPE the future of aging program at Goodwin Living Baileys Crossroads.
By March 2025, Herralink connected 1k volunteers from 29 high schools with 11 senior communities before Goodwin Living acquired the program to expand nationwide.
March 13, 2024 Potomac Falls Health & Rehab puzzle event
March 17, 2024 Gainesville Health & Rehab face painting event
July 31, 2024 Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads art workshop
December 8, 2024 Gainesville Health & Rehab bingo activity
January 3, 2025 Insight Memory Care art workshop
March 1, 2025 Jim Scott Community Center Intergenerational Prom
March 31, 2025 Potomac Falls Health & Rehab game event
August 8, 2025 Gainesville Health & Rehab face painting event
September 9, 2025 Goodwin House Alexandria one-on-one visitor event
September 21, 2025 Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads bingo event
September 21, 2025 Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads trivia event
HERRALINK LEADERSHIP
Guided by purpose, led with heart
The leadership team at Herralink is passionate about fostering meaningful connections.
“I work every day to align the people, projects and systems within Goodwin Living to support, honor and uplift all those who are part of our organizational family. I am energized by our vision to serve more people in new ways, and I believe that our connections to our local communities are key in realizing that vision.”
Holly is a strategic leader and healthcare industry professional with expertise in non-profit governance, strategic planning, mission expansion and human resources. In her role as Chief of Staff, Holly offers high-level leadership support to the President and CEO, CFO, Board of Trustees and community stakeholders by overseeing initiatives related to the Goodwin Living governance structure, mission and vision. She also directs our community engagement activities and spearheads partnerships with colleges and universities to offer staff and their families access to education and support.
Holly has a background in human resources management, a B.A. from Indiana University and a Masters in Health Systems Administration from George Mason University.
GOOD LIFE BLOG
Herralink stories from the Good Life Blog
August 22, 2025
Herralink Volunteers Form Friendships
Read this articleHerralink by Goodwin Living connects high school volunteers with older adults, creating intergenerational friendships that ease loneliness and spark joy.
May 9, 2025
Goodwin Living™ Invests in Herralink, an Innovative Volunteer Organization
Read this articleLed by founder Isabella Solano, this acquisition strengthens Goodwin Living efforts to develop intergenerational relationships.
February 27, 2025
Spread the Love and Volunteer at Goodwin Living!
Read this articleCommunity volunteers play an essential role in enriching the lives of residents. Learn about opportunities to volunteer at Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads!
