August, 2025

Dear Friends and Supporters,

We are excited to share some important news with you! The Needham Community Council has launched a new initiative: The Dementia Care Partners Support Program. This program is designed to empower, educate, and support those caring for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

Our goals are to:

• Reduce the stress, loneliness, and isolation often experienced by care partners.
• Provide knowledge, emotional support, and connections to empower care partners in their journey.
• Promote awareness and education to foster compassion and understanding for those living with dementia.
• Create safe and joyful opportunities for meaningful connection between care partners and their loved ones.

To start, we will offer two key programs: Dementia Friends Informational Sessions and Memory Cafes. These programs will provide education, resources, and a welcoming space for connection. Our first Memory Cafe will be held on Thursday, September 25th from 10:30 am-12:00 pm in the Community Room of the Needham Public Library. Subsequent Memory Cafes will be held on the 4th Tuesday of the month.

A Care Partner’s Perspective

"When my husband was diagnosed with dementia, I felt completely alone. I didn’t know where to turn or how to cope. The idea of a Memory Café gives me hope—hope for a place where I can connect with others who understand, share experiences, and feel less isolated. Knowing that the Council is creating this space means the world to me." – A local care partner.

We invite you to join us in supporting this important work. Your involvement, whether through participation or spreading the word, will make a meaningful difference in the lives of care partners and their loved ones.

For more information, please contact Stephanie Knoch, Program Manager, at sknoch@needhamcouncil.org or call 781-444-2415 x 2030 or visit our website.

With gratitude,