Operation Flashlight
BPS101 students and families are bringing “intentional joy” to neighborhood nursing homes through the newly founded organization, Operation Flashlight.
When Batavia resident and BPS101 parent Amy Pedone was caring for her mom who was suffering from dementia, she and her family realized the sky high cost of memory care.
“We didn’t have hundreds of thousands of dollars for my mom’s care,” said Mrs. Pedone. “We needed to find a memory care facility that would take public aid and there really aren’t many.”
After a few years living in two different nursing homes that did accept public aid, Mrs. Pedone’s mom passed away.
During this experience, Mrs. Pedone visited her mom regularly, and she noticed a few things. The staff members and managers at these facilities rarely received recognition from families. The facilities weren’t always the most aesthetically pleasing. Holidays would come and go with some residents not receiving a card, a call, or visit from anyone. Residents were often short on toiletries, undergarments, and socks. There weren’t many outlets for activities and entertainment. Mrs. Pedone and her sister would often sing with the residents.
“I understand. These facilities don’t have the financial support for renovations, activities for residents, etc. Knowing what I now know, I wanted to help,” explained Mrs. Pedone. “I carried a lot of guilt not being able to afford $7,000 to $9,000 per month for a private memory care facility for my own mother.”
In January 2018, Mrs. Pedone launched the grassroots effort, Operation Flashlight, “to bring intentional JOY to our neighborhood nursing homes through our time, talents and resources.”
The organization is 100% volunteer driven and helps local nursing homes in need. Volunteers “adopt’ a local nursing home and provide that facility with “joy bombs,” which could be handmade greeting cards, toiletries and new socks for residents, treats for staff members so they feel appreciated for their work, and more. (View video about Operation Flashlight.)
To coordinate Operation Flashlight, Mrs. Pedone uses Facebook groups, and started with two: Operation Flashlight Headquarters and Operation Flashlight Batavia. Other Facebook groups have formed since, including Operation Flashlight Geneva, St. Charles, Kaneland, Plainfield, and Dekalb/Sycamore.
A special delivery for staff members at a local nursing home from Operation Flashlight.
Grace McWayne Elementary School second-grade teacher, Chad Clarey, is a big supporter of Operation Flashlight. He and Mrs. Pedone were in the same grade while growing up in Elburn and have remained good friends. When Mr. Clarey heard about Mrs. Pedone’s idea to bring light and joy to local nursing homes, he said he would help her anyway possible.
A GMS student with a sweet Valentine’s Day message that she created for a resident at the Batavia Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.
During the month of March, Grace McWayne is hosting a drive for basic needs for the residents of the Batavia Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. (Batavia Rehabilitation and Health Care Center is Operation Flashlight Batavia’s “adopted” nursing home.) GMS families are encouraged to donate hair and body wash, new adult-size socks, and Kleenex boxes. Community members can also contribute by dropping off these items to the GMS front desk or they can join a local Operation Flashlight Facebook group to view additional needs.
“Items will flow in all month and will be delivered to the nursing home each week to fortify their limited supplies,” said Mr. Clarey about the GMS drive.
In February, GMS students made Valentine’s Day cards for the residents of the Batavia Rehabilitation and Health Care Center and BHS students in the After School Mentor Program delivered them.
“There are so many needs locally. We really can make a difference as a community, and without much time or effort,” said Mrs. Pedone.
For more information about ways that you can help support or start an Operation Flashlight in your town, contact Amy Pedone at operationflashlightamy@gmail.com or send her a direct message through the Operation Flashlight Headquarters Facebook page.