Last month I wrote an extra Connection article about the Alzheimer’s Association’s Memory Cafés. Recently Pastor Kelly, Judy Banta, Maynard Pribek and I attended a training session where we learned more about not only the disease itself, but also about the need for people affected by Alzheimer’s to have outlets for fun and fellowship.
After this training we are more committed than ever to finding a way to offer this program here at our church. But to make that happen we need your help. We need to develop a core group of 5-6 volunteers who will act as hosts for the once-a-month gatherings (1-1/2 hours in length). The primary responsibilities of these folks will be to set up and clean up (preparing, coffee, tea, juice and water), welcome new and returning attendees, handing out name tags, pointing people to rest rooms, etc. We’ve also heard how much some groups like to sing so this would be a great opportunity for those of us who have that talent!
The group would most likely meet on a weekday, either late morning or early afternoon. Once we have a group of people willing to help with this a representative from the Alzheimer’s Association will come in for additional training and to help us select the most appropriate space in which the group will meet.
The key for us is to provide a safe, supportive and engaging environment in which our guests can share stories, sing songs, play games, laugh, cry and simply be together. It’s a place where they can forget for a while about the disease and focus again on simply living life.
So…a 1½ hour a month commitment…and if we have 5 or 6 volunteers each person might only host once every few months. I’m guessing we’ve all known someone who has been challenged by Alzheimer’s and related dementia issues. Wouldn’t it be great if we could do something to help? How about it?
If you are interested in learning more please contact either Pastor Kelly or myself. Once we have our team in place we’ll bring in the trainers and get started!
Blessings,
Pastor Andy