Senior Wishes is seeking wish applicants - What would you wish for?

Senior Wishes Press Release

Senior Wishes, a program founded by the United Church Home Society, is dedicated to honoring and enriching the lives of older adults in Western New York. Senior Wishes grants meaningful wishes to individuals aged 65 and older who meet income qualifications or are permanent residents of a care facility. A medical diagnosis is not required.

Since its inception in 2014, Senior Wishes has granted over 475 wishes – including reconnecting with long-lost loved ones, attending cultural or sporting events, and rediscovering passions and hobbies once set aside. Wishes must be for experiences the senior cannot afford or arrange on their own or with family assistance.

“Senior Wishes exists because we believe that local seniors have dreams and meaningful wishes they are unable to accomplish on their own,” said Wendy Miller Backman, executive director. “It is incredibly moving to see the joy on their faces when a wish comes true – often something they’ve held in their hearts for years. We’ve had seniors take music or art lessons, attend a concert or sporting event, and even fly to visit a loved one they haven’t seen in years. Our mission is to remind seniors that they are valued and not forgotten.

Eligible applicants must be:

√ Aged 65 or older

√ Reside in Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee or Wyoming counties

√ Have an annual income of under $38,000 (single household) or $44,000 (two-person household). Income guidelines do not apply to those permanently residing in care facilities.

√ Be unable to fulfill the wish on their own or with family assistance.

Senior Wishes also offers a veterans recognition program each November, honoring 150 local seniors who have served. All veterans are encouraged to apply for a “HERO Box,” using the application on the website. Income guidelines do not apply for the “HERO Box” program.

All applications are available online at www.seniorwishes.org or by calling 716-508-2121.