If you had three wishes, what would they be? That simple question opened the door to something far greater than a wish list when a local Girl Scout troop visited Ingleside at Rock Creek (IRC), a Life Plan Community in Washington, DC, earlier this summer to launch the Three Wishes Program.
Paired with resident volunteers, the Scouts spent the afternoon listening to Health Center residents’ stories and, in the process, getting to know the people behind each wish.
The Advantages of Intergenerational Activities for Seniors
There is a plethora of research that indicates that meaningful conversation and intergenerational connection helps older adults feel seen, valued, and ultimately less isolated; benefits that last far beyond a single visit.
Senior living activities that bring younger individuals and older adults together create space for meaningful connection. When those activities are built around storytelling and community collaboration, rather than entertainment alone, they invite residents to share their memories, passions, and personalities. The impact reaches everyone involved, including residents, younger volunteers, and Ingleside staff members alike. It also reinforces a person-centered approach to care that focuses on the whole individual and their experiences, interests, and relationships, not just their daily needs.
That exact philosophy is also at the heart of the Three Wishes Program. By asking residents, “If you had three wishes, what would they be?” and taking the time to listen, the Scouts opened the door to conversations that bridged generations through kindness, curiosity, and compassion.
How the Three Wishes Program Came to Life in Washington Senior Living at Ingleside at Rock Creek
What the Girl Scout Troops Discovered
The wishes that residents shared reflected the small comforts and lifelong passions that make up a life well-lived. One resident lit up at the thought of sugar cookies, while another imagined vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate sauce. Others hoped for peppermint candies, fresh flowers, and a cozy blanket. One devoted fan of the National Basketball Association’s Oklahoma City Thunder dreamed of a poster to celebrate the team, and another resident wished for a book to share with their daughter during her future visits.
As these conversations unfolded, the Scouts realized they weren’t simply collecting wishes — they were discovering stories, too.
More Than a Service Project
In the weeks that followed, the Westminster Ingleside Foundation (WIF) and IRC team worked together to fulfill each wish, and the Girl Scouts returned to help deliver them in person, turning a single afternoon of conversation into the start of an ongoing relationship between generations.
A Life Plan Community Volunteer Program Powered by Philanthropy
The Three Wishes Program is made possible through the generosity of the Haase Health Care Endowment, part of WIF, which supports IRC in creating meaningful experiences that enrich residents’ lives beyond their daily care. It’s one example of how a Life Plan Community can offer young volunteers an entry point into service, while giving residents a chance to be truly heard.
Bringing More Intergenerational Programs for Seniors to Life
The Three Wishes Program at Ingleside at Rock Creek proved to be a great way to build generational connections; it’s also a reminder that sometimes the greatest gift isn’t what we give, but rather the time we take to listen, connect, and show someone that their hopes and dreams are important.
To learn more about Ingleside’s volunteer opportunities and community engagement initiatives like the Three Wishes Program, visit us online or contact us today.