Our Mission is to foster respect and appreciation for seniors by granting life enriching wishes.

The Senior Wishes story began in 2013, when ideas were being discussed on how the United Church Home Society might best serve the senior citizen population of Western New York.  UCHS, founder of Fox Run at Orchard Park and the United Church Manor in West Seneca, was looking for a program that could bring real value to the aged.  Wendy Miller Backman had volunteered with a small wish program years earlier and began describing it to Mike Maloney, CEO of Fox Run Orchard Park and UCHS Inc.  Mike and Wendy began a series of brainstorming sessions and much research, and realized that although there were a handful of these wish programs throughout the country, none existed in Western NY.  Mike, having an extensive knowledge in the field of aging, felt there was a real need that Senior Wishes could fulfill.

Our first wish was granted March 7, 2014 to Grace Festa.  Her wish was to work with a professional photographer who could teach her about lighting, composition and camera operations.  Senior Wishes partnered with Katie Schneider Photography to make this wish come true.

Since then, the organization has granted many wishes to seniors, such as:  travel to reunite with family and friends; take part in a sporting or cultural event; provided supplies for hobbies or past times; or planned events to celebrate milestone birthdays or anniversaries.
Senior Wishes has expanded programming to include
*Remembering a Senior on Valentine's Day - goody bags distributed to care facilities
*Hero Boxes to Veterans - patriotic boxes delivered to senior veterans
*Simple Wishes for the Holidays - recognizing not all seniors enjoy the holidays when they are isolated and lonely.  Gift giving program to hundreds of seniors each year.

Whether it's a simple need or a bucket list wish, Senior Wishes strives to make a difference in the lives of local seniors.

Senior Wishes/UCHS

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