Meet the Team Behind: Second Wind Dreams

Second Wind Dreams improves the lives of older adults by fulfilling dreams and creating programs that bring joy, connection, and purpose to those living in senior care communities. Their work helps ensure aging is celebrated with dignity and plenty of special moments. Learn more here! 

What does your Dreams Program entail? 

Second Wind Dreams is dedicated to fulfilling dreams for older adults living in long-term care, because we believe aging should still include joy, purpose, and connection. Our Dreams Program sheds light on the positive aspects of aging and is a powerful way to show society that age does not erase hopes and dreams. Our program has fulfilled tens of thousands of dreams in 20 countries since our organization’s inception in 1997. As each dream comes true, we witness a ripple effect as the impact of the dream spreads from the elder to everyone who helped make it a reality. 

What work do you provide in dementia care? 

Our Dementia Interpreters course gives participants the opportunity to experience the same communication barriers that a person living with dementia may experience. Participants take part in a series of tasks where they have to communicate without the capabilities they would normally rely on. DACE is the Dementia Aware Competency Evaluation, which we use to measure the competency of the caregiver’s ability to engage positivity with those living with cognitive impairments. To further our mission, we also offer innovative educational opportunities to caregivers and communities.

Can you tell me about some of the dreams older adults submit?

Each dream is personalized, rooted in the individual’s story, and designed to bring dignity and joy to the forefront. Donors can choose to donate as much as they’d like towards the total cost. A 100 year old woman named Elaine requested funds to cover a trip to visit her husband’s gravesite in Florida one last time. Carolyn is looking for a new sewing machine to continue her passion for design. As a lifelong baseball fan, Marvin wants to visit an MLB stadium. These moments don’t just impact the recipient, they inspire staff, families, and entire communities. 

How can individuals get involved in your work? 

Cards of Light is a volunteer program where individuals write cards to show elders some love and support. Gifts of Light allows people to purchase or donate new items to be gifted to nursing center residents so that no one feels forgotten during the holiday season. We also have various events throughout the year where people can donate or participate in keeping our programs afloat.