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About us

About us

Turning compassion into action for local seniors, creating meaningful moments, and building a community where every senior is seen, valued, and remembered—We call it the Dandelion Effect—one act of kindness inspiring hope, connection, and compassion that spreads far beyond a single wish.

Community-Centered

Help us make a difference in the lives of seniors.

Silver Wishes was created to ensure that seniors living in Placer County, Wheatland, Orangevale, Fair Oaks, Carmichael and Citrus Heights know they matter and have a purpose. By granting wishes, we want them to experience hope and let them know they are valued. Wishes may be something simple to help overcome a challenge or help regain their independence. A wish may be bringing family together that has been separated. Or joy may come in the form of granting the opportunity to experience a bucket list item. Silver Wishes needs your help to make these wishes a reality. In return, we hope our volunteers, donors and community will also experience the joy you receive from being a part of this mission. Together we can make a difference.

Our mission

Impacting the lives of seniors one wish at a time.

Our vision

We envision a community where every senior feels seen, valued, remembered, and filled with hope. As people age, many face challenges that can leave them feeling isolated, overlooked, or without purpose. Health issues, the loss of loved ones, limited mobility, and loneliness can quietly diminish their sense of connection and joy. At Silver Wishes, we believe hope has the power to change lives. Research has shown that hope plays a vital role in emotional and physical well-being as we age, helping people navigate illness, overcome obstacles, and find strength during life's most difficult seasons. That's why every Silver Wish is about so much more than fulfilling a request. Whether it's restoring independence, improving safety, creating meaningful experiences, or simply reminding someone they matter, each wish is designed to restore hope, dignity, and human connection. This is the heart of the Dandelion Effect. Just as a single dandelion seed carried by the wind can take root and flourish, one act of kindness has the power to spread far beyond a single wish. A wish inspires volunteers, donors, businesses, families, and neighbors to care for one another, creating a ripple of compassion that strengthens our entire community. Because when one senior feels seen, valued, and remembered, the impact reaches far beyond that one life.

5 Reasons Wishes Makes a Difference:

  1. Wishes give a burst of joy.
  2. Wishes help seniors overcome loneliness and despair.
  3. Wishes give hope by changing a senior’s outlook on life.
  4. Wishes may increase mobility and independence.
  5. Wishes make a forgotten population feel known and valued.

Who We Are

Meet the compassionate hearts behind our team

Stephanie Berger

President/Co-Founder
Stephanie has always been passionate about spreading kindness and inspires others to do so with the children’s book she authored, The Happiest Birthday Ever. Inspired by her time volunteering with Make-A-Wish Foundation, she started Silver Wishes, a nonpro«t bringing hope and making a difference in the lives of seniors by granting one-time WOW wishes. Currently she is on the board of directors for the Lincoln Community Foundation, volunteered for Seniors First delivering meals on wheels and has experience organizing school fundraisers and special events.

Jay Lang

Treasurer
Jay Lang is an Enrolled Agent and owner of MK2 Tax & Accounting Service in Rocklin, bringing nearly 40 years of accounting and tax expertise to his clients. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Humboldt State University and currently serves as Treasurer of the California Society of Enrolled Agents and a Board Member of the Rocklin Area Chamber of Commerce. Jay enjoys sports, the outdoors, and spending time with his wife, Wendy, their family, and granddaughter, Allison.

Garin Clyma

Secretary
As an estate planning Attorney, Garin has a special place in his heart for helping seniors. He is a graduate of U.C. Santa Barbara and Lincoln Law School of Sacramento, and has practiced law in Placer County for the last ten years. As a small business owner, he is thrilled to bring his expertise to Silver Wishes to provide opportunities to one of our most underserviced communities. Garin lives in Lincoln with his wife and three young daughters.

Erine Burridge

Board Member
Erine Burridge is a Branch Manager with Columbia Bank in Rocklin, California, known for building strong client relationships and supporting local businesses. She is actively involved in the community through organizations such as the Rocklin Chamber, South Placer Rotary Club, BNI, and serves as a board member with the Rocklin Educational Excellence Foundation. Erine is passionate about giving back and making a meaningful impact in the communities she serves.

Dan Barbee

Board Member
Dan is a California native and U.S. Marine Corps veteran who earned a Master’s degree from California State University Northridge. With over 35 years of leadership experience in business operations—primarily in the defense and intelligence industries—he currently serves as President of Always Best Care in Northern California, supporting seniors with high-quality care.

Jeff Clyma

Board Member
Jeff has 48 years of experience in real estate, including over a decade managing large offices in the Bay Area before returning to his passion for helping clients achieve homeownership and investment goals. He has been married to his wife Terry for nearly 43 years and enjoys time with their growing family. Introduced to Silver Wishes by his son Garin, Jeff was inspired to support its mission after attending a fundraiser.

Shirley Heritage

Board Member
Shirley is a retired Police and Fire Dispatch Supervisor and now uses her free time to serve and volunteer in the local community. She currently serves as President of the American Legion Auxiliary and Secretary for the Lincoln Veterans Memorial Coalition. She is looking forward to helping the Silver Wishes organization grow and impact the lives of more seniors.

Nicolle Skarg

Board Member
Nicolle is a relationship-focused professional with a background in event planning, marketing, and operations. She previously led events at the Rocklin Area Chamber of Commerce and now works at Skarg Home Finance. Deeply committed to her community, she volunteers with local programs and serves on the Rocklin Leadership Steering Committee. Family and service are at the heart of her work and life.

Kimberly Windle

Board Member
Kimberly brings over ten years of experience in business operations, emergency management, and healthcare. She supports Silver Wishes through strategic growth, partnerships, and fundraising to strengthen long-term impact and expand access to services for vulnerable communities. Outside of work, she enjoys travel, fitness, and time with her family and dog.

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Get In Touch

Restoring hope, bringing joy, purpose, and meaningful moments to seniors in our community—one wish at a time.

(916) 287-7172

silverwishesfoundation@gmail.com

PO Box 13, Lincoln, CA 95648

Copyright Silver Wishes © 2026 All Rights Reserved.  Tax ID# 86-3918029