A simple conversation between a resident and the CEO of Pleasant View Communities sparked an idea that will help residents turn lifelong wishes into reality.

"Our CEO, Jonathan Hollinger, was talking with a resident about her past and thought about how it could be meaningful for her to fly in a small plane to see her family homestead from the air," recalled Leanne Kiralfy, personal care home administrator. "As he shared the idea with team members, creating Pleasant Moments became part of the 2025-27 strategic plan."

Pleasant Moments - Memories That Matter will launch this fall at the Manheim community, providing impactful opportunities for residents. Billed as a Make-A-Wish program for seniors, Pleasant Moments could range from revisiting a favorite hobby to enjoying a favorite meal or experiencing something new.

"Pleasant Moments is a staff-led initiative. Staff and residents can nominate residents in all levels of living who are facing the loss of a spouse, child or loved one; a new health diagnosis; or other difficult circumstances," Kiralfy explained. "Residents selected can 'make a wish' for something they've always wanted to do. It could be going to a concert, attending a Phillies game, visiting a sibling who lives a few hours away, etc. The resident can invite one loved one to join them."

The Pleasant Moments team includes the personal care home administrator, director of nursing, health care administrator, director of residential living, social workers and recreation therapy/activities staff members.

"This team, along with an independent living resident, will review the anonymous and confidential nominations and work to grant one wish a month," Kiralfy said, adding that $1,000 is the maximum cost for each wish and could include transportation costs and staff time, if the resident requires an aide to accompany them.

"We also have many residents serving as caregivers for their spouse, sibling or child," said Marie Anderson, director of residential living. "We hope to provide a Pleasant Moment for some of these caregivers."

Pleasant View hopes to serve its first resident in the initiative this October, and there are several ways the community can support the program.

"We hope to serve 10 to 12 residents per year as resources are provided," said Mindy Fetherman, director of development. "Tax-deductible gifts will help a resident to have a very memorable day. We are grateful to JNL Technologies Inc. and Schouten Drywall for their recent gifts. We will also be inviting businesses and individuals to donate or discount specific things to fulfill a resident's personalized wish."

Examples might include concert tickets, a ride in a limousine or vintage car, a favorite meal or dessert, flowers, or photography/videography of the wish.

The Pleasant Moments team also hopes to host a 5K run/walk fundraiser in spring 2027 at Pleasant View.

"We're grateful to the auxiliary of Pleasant View for their gift of $2,000 to provide the first two Pleasant Moments," Kiralfy said.

The organizers are excited to see the reaction from residents and the impact of the program.

"At Pleasant View, our goal is to spark joy in the lives of those we serve," Anderson stated. "Life brings different journeys and obstacles for each of us. Sometimes, a thoughtful gesture, meaningful experience or special moment can make all the difference. The Pleasant Moments program was created with that belief in mind - to provide opportunities for connection, encouragement and happiness when it is needed most. These personalized moments will celebrate residents, honor their wishes and remind them that they are valued members of our community."

To support the Pleasant Moments program, visit https://pleasantviewcommunities.org/donate.