Location: Okotoks, Alberta
For those struggling with dementia and for the people who love and care for them, the experience can be overwhelming and isolating. That where the volunteers of the Okotoks Memory Cafe come in.
Many of these volunteers have been stepping up with kindness and compassion since the inception of the Cafe in 2022. Through the Memory Cafe, they provide care partners of those with dementia an inviting place for connection, compassion and support. With the invaluable support of Tracy Church, Town of Okotoks Adult Recreation Programmer, and Jennifer Mallamo, of Brain Health Catalyst, this committed team of 13 volunteers includes Larry Fenn, Heather Jordan-Fenn, Elena McLaughlin, Frank Gutowski, Linda Schaber, Shauna Cassie, Gilles Durand, Alan Rae, Helen Puls, Sister Kadi Clough, Silvia Corsini, Terry Selby and Jackie Lavoie.
In a warm and welcoming environment, volunteers engage care partners and those dealing with the illness in conversations and activities while lending an ear to understand better the challenges caregivers face. Equipped with quarterly training on the progression of dementia, volunteers share valuable advice and strategies to manage the condition. They often help care partners navigate health resources available in their community and beyond.
At each Cafe, volunteers strive to ensure each participant feels included and welcome. They reach out into their community to invite folks who are socially isolated and lonely, and they spread the word with poster campaigns, community engagement events and word-of-mouth advertising.
While the challenges are daunting, help and heartfelt harmony are always on the menu at the Okotoks Memory Cafe. For their passionate and compassionate service, the Cafe’s volunteers are truly worthy of Northern Lights Volunteer Recognition.
At each Cafe, volunteers strive to ensure each participant feels included and welcome. They reach out into their community to invite folks who are socially isolated and lonely, and they spread the word with poster campaigns, community engagement events and word-of-mouth advertising.
While the challenges are daunting, help and heartfelt harmony are always on the menu at the Okotoks Memory Cafe. For their passionate and compassionate service, the Cafe’s volunteers are truly worthy of Northern Lights Volunteer Recognition.
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