Episode 67: Ruby Kate: Granting Three Wishes to The Elderly and Loving Those Who Are Often Forgotten

12-year-old Ruby Kate Chitsey is the founder of Three Wishes for Ruby’s Residents, an organization that sparked out of an encounter she had with an elderly woman at the nursing home that her mom was working at, when she accompanied her mom to work one day. Three Wishes for Ruby’s Residents began as a project when Ruby recognized that those living in nursing homes were often forgotten about and she went on a mission to find out what three things different people wanted or needed – and she began granting their wishes. Most people wished for simple things like candy bars, a book, movies, and cat food to feed local cats who came to their window, while others wished for things like a trip to the water park or to attend a wedding. 

With her notebook in hand, Ruby took note of every hope, wish, and dream – and began making all of their wishes come true. It started out as a way she could make them feel a little love and to spread kindness to those who are often forgotten – and now has grown into a movement. Ruby’s work, while based in Arkansas, has gained international attention – and has sparked similar work around the country and throughout the world. 

Three Wishes for Ruby’s Residents is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that strives to bring joy to the lives of the 1.5 million elders living in America’s nursing homes, most notably the 975,000 residents subsisting on a government stipend as low as $40 per month. 

While Ruby continues to visit her local nursing homes twice a week and is granting wishes there, she and her friends (aka “the kid board”) have grown the organization to include other nursing homes – and they’re working with people and nursing homes around the country (and around the world) to spread joy and love to the elderly everywhere. 

Ruby joins the 1 Girl Revolution podcast to share her own life story, how Three Wishes for Ruby’s Residents came to be, and how she and her organization are serving the elderly. Ruby shares stories about wishes the residents have had, how they’ve made the wishes come true, and some funny stories and secrets from the residents themselves. Ruby talks about how Three Wishes for Ruby’s Residents has grown and evolved, and what she hopes the future looks like for Three Wishes, and so much more! Ruby also shares ways we can all support the elderly in our own communities, and of course, how we can support her and her work.  

Ruby is such a wise and beautiful soul, and it’s so hard to believe that she’s only 12-years-old — and in the 6th grade! We know you’ll love this episode of the 1 Girl Revolution and we’re so excited to share Ruby’s story and the work of Three Wishes for Ruby’s Residents with you. 

You do not want to miss this inspiring episode of the 1 Girl Revolution podcast – listen today!

For more information on Ruby and Three Wishes for Ruby’s Residents, please visit their website.  

Other ways you can give and get involved:

DONATE.

If you have kids or know kids who may want to get involved and spread joy and love to the elderly, visit KID CONNECT.

FOLLOW Three Wishes for Ruby’s Residents on FACEBOOK and TWITTER.

And if you follow them on Facebook, they regularly give easy ways that you can spread joy and love to the elderly around the world. So make sure you’re following them on Facebook.