 Second
Wind Dreams® was formed in 1997, growing out of the work of geriatric
specialist P.K. Beville, M.S. who co-authored Second Wind, a novel
about people living in a nursing home. Over the last twelve years,
SWD has become involved in more than 290 eldercare communities in
40 states, Canada and India. The mission of Second Wind Dreams®
(SWD) is simple: through the fulfillment of dreams and the offering
of innovative educational opportunities to caregivers and communities,
SWD seeks to change the perception and experience of aging, empowering
elders to age with dignity, hope and joy.
Second Wind Dreams focuses on those living in eldercare communities
or in hospice care. These are our seniors who need our assistance
most. Family support may be non-existent, money can be at a premium,
especially for our Medicaid supported seniors, and these senior
adults are often our frailest— the ones who need a dream fulfilled.
In addition to fulfilling thousands of dreams, Second Wind Dreams®
has built an award-winning program that includes training and support
for Dreamweavers, educational programs for eldercare professionals,
a quarterly newsletter, a web site, and ongoing publicity efforts
with local and national media, including Southern Living, The Associated
Press, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, CBS Evening News, People
Magazine, CNN, The American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, Assisted
Living Today, and NBC’s Three Wishes with Amy Grant, and the Hallmark
Channel. Second Wind Dreams® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation
governed by a Board of Directors that provides the guidance and
support necessary to continue its mission and expand its impact.
Financial support for Second Wind Dreams® comes from individual
contributions, memberships, eldercare industry associations, revenue
generated as a result of SWD’s educational program, the Virtual
Dementia Tourª, religious organizations and corporate philanthropy.
The Second Wind Dreams® program is delivered primarily through volunteer
efforts, with key program components handled by three full time
employees.
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