Celebrating 500 Elders' Dreams

NEW CASTLE, Ky. - Aug. 8, 2019 - PRLog -- In 2006, Henry County Extension Council members were challenged to develop a community-wide project as part of their leadership development goals.  They selected a program, offered by Second Wind Dreams®, which improves the lives of those living in elder care communities by granting their dreams.  This was the beginning of the Henry County Extension Second Wind Dreams committee.  Currently managed by 18 volunteers, in partnership with the non-profit, the committee provides dreams and special events to the residents at Twin Oaks Assisted Living and New Castle Nursing & Rehabilitation, as well as the Senior Center.  They have recently provided a dream for residents at Cedar Lake Park Place, which was a first.

From the simple to the sublime, dreams have come true for Henry County elders such as flying a plane to gifts of new clothing and Holiday presents for those with little or no family.  As each dream unfolds, we witness a ripple effect as the impact spreads from the dreamer to everyone involved in making it happen.  On August 21, the Henry County Extension Second Wind Dreams Committee will celebrate 500 elders' dreams fulfilled with entertainment, special treats and dream highlights at New Castle Nursing & Rehabilitation from 2PM-3:00PM and Twin Oaks Assisted Living from 3:15PM-4:30PM.  500 lives have been enhanced as together, the perception and experience of aging has changed.

Committee Chair, Deb Reinhardt Brocious, states, "It really is a community effort.  While we have a committee who meets monthly and works to create and carry out dreams, we have found that the generosity and resourcefulness of the community at large is what has made the difference!  Henry County is full of folks who want to help others, and when someone hears of what we do, they often offer their services.  I want to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful people of Henry County Kentucky!  I also want to recognize the extra love and effort demonstrated on a regular basis by  Community Manager of Twin Oaks Assisted Living Leanne Yancey and Activities Director of New Castle Nursing and Rehab Catrina Roberts.  These two employees often use their time off or extend their work day in order to facilitate dreams for their facility residents, and their support staff often do the same. We could not do it without them!"

Second Wind Dreams Director of Community Relations, Amy Safran, shares, "We are extremely thankful for the dedication and compassion demonstrated by this incredible group of volunteers.  The premise of the Dreams Program is to include our local communities as we work together to make elders' dreams come true.  The Henry County Extension Second Wind Dreams Committee has gone above and beyond!"

www.henrycountyky.com/extension/secondwind.htm.
www.secondwind.org