members with dementia; another 50 are ready to help. Third- and fourth-grade youth from Good Shepherd serve the meal. “I like helping people,” said Emily Slo- man, 9. “I make new friends every time I come here.” She produced a PowerPoint presentation on the café for a school project.
“This is a wonderful intergenerational ministry. It’s been a hit since day one,” said David Wegner, a pastor of Good Shepherd. “Kids love it. They remind their parents to put Memory Café on their calendars.” One-third to half of the attendees are from Good Shepherd. Others are referred by Alzheimer’s North Carolina Inc., a partner in the ministry. Dee Dee Harris, the organization’s family services director, said the non- profit wanted to do something similar but didn’t have the resources. When approached, it was pleased to help and trained volunteers before the first café.
Open every second Monday of the month from 4:30 to 6 p.m., the café is a place to meet others with similar challenges. “The café idea has less stigma than a support group,” Harris said. Vaughn added, “Some couples who met at the café now socialize with each other.” Tom McCann, whose wife Kathleen has Alzheimer’s,
said, “I like the mix of different people with the same needs. It’s a friendly, nonthreatening atmosphere.” At a recent event, about one-third raised their hands when the emcee asked, “How many are here for the first time?” The constant guest rotation is the nature of demen- tia. Two caregivers recently asked if they could attend after having to place their spouses in nursing homes. They needed the companionship of caring friends during the difficult transition.
The monthly theme, usually featuring a different
country, is an icebreaker that sparks conversation and excitement. The first Memory Café, held last Novem- ber, featured Italy. Since then they have enjoyed the music, food and ambiance of Mexico, Ireland, France and others. The Zimbabwe drum circle and the Medi- terranean belly dancers were especially popular. In December the café featured a sing-along of beloved Christmas carols.
The Memory Café is free, although a donation jar is present at registration. Originally funded by donations, the ministry is now included in Good Shepherd’s budget. Vaughn’s goal is to help others who aspire to dupli-
cate this ministry (
www.gslchurchnew.org/memory- cafe).
CROSS ROAD JOURNEY
A curriculum specifically designed to nurture the spiritual lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Each $29 course includes:
• Leader’s Guide • Study Sheets for five students • Three Double-Sided Posters • Music CD and Sheet Music with Guitar Chording • Additional Study Sheets available
“I had the honor of writing the grief and loss curriculum for Cross Road Journey. Everyone grieves differently, it is important to not forget persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities at the time of death.”
—Rev. Hollie Holt-Woehl, writer/ELCA
For more information and to order online,visit
www.BethesdaInstitute.org.
November 2013 37
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