Opal’s Programs
Opal’s work to restore dignity, respect, and joy to seniors in long-term care is achieved through 4 program areas
Music, Arts, recreation, and culture
Engagement with art & music provides substantial mental health benefits, and is effective in reducing depression, while recreation is a key component of life satisfaction. Since 2012, we’ve provided arts & craft supplies, art instruction, jukeboxes, musical instruments, and live performers to entertain our seniors. We encourage community-building by funding social gatherings and group activities, including gardening - which we’ve encouraged by donating hand-made garden boxes, plants, soil, and tools!
Individual requests
We field requests on behalf of individual nursing home residents, ranging from personal care items, books, and clothing to bigger items, such as televisions, cd players, and lift recliners - and sometimes, we get the opportunity to make dreams come true!
Care packages
Our seniors lack financial resources, and many have no family to support them; for some, our care packages will be the only gifts they receive throughout the holiday season. Thanks to our generous supporters and volunteers, this program has grown each year - providing more and higher quality items and increasing the number of seniors served to an incredible 8,000!
Mobility Assistance
Few changes can have as profound an effect on physical and emotional health as newfound mobility. We’ve provided dozens of new & refurbished electric wheelchairs, plus countless seat pads, batteries, and custom accessories. The program currently relies on donations of gently used mobility equipment, and requests are subject to availability.
Impact
107 facilities, 56 cities, 2 states
In 2023, over 8,000 seniors benefitted from our services, with every Medicaid seniors in all 107 facilities recieving a care package. Over 1,000 seniors participated in arts, crafts, gardening, and live musical performances. Seniors across Kentucky & Indiana also recieved individual assistance, ranging from mobility to personal care items.
1.5+
Million Dollars Raised
95% of all funds raised have been used for improving quality of life for seniors.
13+
Years Serving communities
Beginning with 1 facility in 2012, we now serve over 100 across 57 cities in 2 states.
60k+
Seniors Receiving aid SINCE 2012
Our care packages alone are currently distributed to 8,000 seniors each year.
January 2024
“Opal’s Dream Foundation is truly an answered prayer for our nursing home residents. We’re so proud to work with Opal’s, and we thank you for showing our residents that they are not forgotten”
Debbie Thrasher, Activities Director at Landmark of Iroquois Park
Get Involved
Opal’s depends on the generosity and compassion of our community members to provide these important services for seniors. Even small donations can make a big difference, and whether you want to serve as a board member or spend a couple hours delivering care packages, we could really use your help!
Volunteer opportunities
We have a variety of volunteer opportunities available - let us know how you would like to be involved!
Make a Donation
We couldn’t carry on our important work without generous donors like you - all donations are tax deductible!
Our Partners
We couldn’t do our important work without our community partners, including businesses, nonprofits, and individuals.