Inspired by MLK, seniors at Friendship Village in Schaumburg share thoughts of hope
"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'"
That quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. inspired a group of residents at Friendship Village of Schaumburg to serve those in need - and this year, to showcase their own dreams.
For the past five years, residents of the retirement community who belonged to a group called Seniors Serving Seniors would gather to assemble nearly 200 sack lunches to be handed out to the homeless and other seniors outside of their community.
They included handwritten inspirational notes with the food. Because of the pandemic, the volunteers were unable to pack lunches this year. So Jeannette Magdaleno, Friendship Village's manager of Life Long Learning and Volunteers Services, focused instead on lifting the spirits of their own seniors.
Magdaleno and activity coordinator Amanda De La Matta created a Hall of Dreams in Friendship Village, where residents could showcase their thoughts.
Photos of the residents accompany the writings, and posters of Dr. King's inspirational quotes are also displayed. Eleven residents participated in the project, which hangs in the connecting wing between two independent living buildings.
"It's important to keep your dreams during difficult times, and the world is certainly experiencing unprecedented times. We filled the Hall of Dreams with positive thoughts and quotes by Dr. King and our residents to inspire those who walk through the hallway to keep dreaming of when things will be better," Magdaleno said.
"One of Dr. King's quotes that we displayed, 'So even though we face difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream,' reflects how important it is to keep believing that better times are coming."
Similar MLK projects were created in the assisted living and health care sections of the village.
"Whenever possible, we like to continue these special themed events across all levels of care," said Carla Smith, assistant director of lifestyles. "Our display is in our atrium, encouraging residents to walk the area, enjoying the inspiration of MLK's life and dreams."
Friendship Village provides independent living, assisted living, memory support and skilled nursing care for nearly 700 residents. Magdaleno said they have adopted strong coronavirus mitigation procedures to keep residents and its 547 staff members safe.
Visitor limitations, mask wearing and social distancing are in place. Communal dining and group programming was also suspended. Staff rely heavily on technology to provide 12 hours of programming daily from its in-house television station. Programs include exercise, musical entertainment, lectures and games.
Independent living residents are now able to welcome visitors as long as the safety protocols are followed. Magdaleno added some health care residents and staff have begun receiving COVID-19 vaccinations. Officials hope to extend the vaccine to independent living residents as soon as they are able to do so.