District 6900 Rotarians transform their communities to support individuals suffering with Alzheimer’s and other forms of Dementia and the Caregivers
As Rotary International focuses global attention on Mental
Health and its worldwide impact, local Rotarians are creating local projects
and support programs here in Georgia to addressing the challenges and
life-style disruptions these cognitive conditions bring to patients as well as
their families, friends and caregivers.
Supported by a generous major donation to The Rotary
Foundation targeting Alzheimer’s Disease, plus every Rotarian’s contribution
three years ago, District 6900 is awarding special one- time only Community Grants
totaling more than $91,000 in Alzheimer’s relief support to 10 clubs performing
seven different projects. Each of these
Rotary Clubs submitted plans developed specifically to address needs they
discovered through researching their own communities. District 6900 will also award a global grant
or possibly two to allow our Clubs to address the Alzheimer’s challenges on a
wider basis.
Congratulations to everyone participating in these pilot projects. The Alpharetta, Americus Atlanta Airport, Carrolton DawnBreakers, Carrolton at Noon, Bremen, North Columbus, Sandy Springs, Marietta and North Cobb Clubs won D6900’s first Alzheimer’s Disease Community Grants. Read on for a brief description of each of their projects.
Alpharetta –
Grant provides education on the diseases as well as current best practices for
treatment and comfort to the caregivers, families and members of the
communities. Caregivers will be offered
much needed “Respite Days” once per month with leisure activities offered by
the club to 120 caregivers. While the
Caregivers enjoy their day, their loved ones will receive the care they need
through professional care giving services offered through businesses associated
with the Alpharetta Club. The Grant also
supports two information training seminar days with guest Speakers.
Americus –
“Caring for Me, Caring for You”- developed at the Rosalynn Carter Institute –
Grant Offers 5 part interactive training (5 weeks, 2 hours each week) to all
Rotarians and members of the community at large. Participants may become “Dementia Friends” and
advocates in the community.
Atlanta Airport –
Rotarians are supporting their community’s low income seniors living either
independently, or in care facilities, and are struggling to afford day to day
personal care items, clothing, medical and cleaning supplies through “Daddy’s
Closet."
Carrolton Dawn
Breakers, Carrolton at Noon & Bremen Clubs – In partnership with “The
West Georgia Council on Aging” – This Grant will help sponsor three annual social
events for Senior Citizens to enjoy and come together – Thanksgiving,
Valentine’s and Spring Fling. In addition,
Rotarians will add 27 classes per month in the most effective memory care
services - exercise, art, music and movement.
The classes will be provided to citizens living in three senior housing
facilities plus Memory Care facilities in the West Georgia area. All equipment and supplies are included in
the Rotary services.
North Columbus – Rotarians from North
Columbus are giving social events including live music, dancing, snacks and Ice Cream to residents and guests of three senior living and memory care facilities in the area. Entertainment provided by the Club’s Member
musicians and band.
Sandy Springs – Club
members will support programs of music and art therapy offered at the Dorothy
Benton Center, a multi-level senior complex for residents 55+ years of
age. The Center’s Adult Day Care and the
Rotary Club of Sandy Springs will offer safe and socially interactive classes
in art, crafts and music therapy as well as Holiday and Birthday events. A portion of the Grant will improve the sound
system and provide instruments.
Rotary Clubs of
Marietta and North Cobb – Rotarians, in partnership with “Aloha to
Alzheimers” a 501c3 organization in the
area, will provide community classes and free viewing of “A Day in the
Life." This interactive film and
experience gives attendees a chance to learn firsthand what a person
suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease may see, think and feel daily. Rotarians are also supporting added day care classes
and furnishing supplies, including totes and tee shirts, for “Heart Strings," serving 250 more seniors in the Cobb area.
We will continue to publish individual progress reports as
we proceed through this year and hope there are many additional Grants in our
future.