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DONATE | OUR SERVICES | FEBRUARY 2024

THE JOURNEY

Your monthly e-newsletter from The Bridge Alzheimer's & Dementia Resource Center

The Bridge Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center Purchases Building & Property in Shreveport


The Bridge Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center announces the purchase of the property located at 851 Olive Street in Shreveport. Paulette Freeman, executive director of the non-profit organization, made the announcement. Acquisition of the building and property, from which the organization has been operating, was made possible by the generous giving of individual donors and a major gift from First Presbyterian Church, Shreveport. “We are very grateful and appreciative of all those who supported our efforts in raising funds for our capital campaign,” stated Freeman. “This is a major milestone for our non-profit, and we cannot express how thankful we are.”


According to Freeman, the building purchase will ensure continued hope for those in our community affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. It will provide a gift of transformation in the lives of thousands of dementia caregivers and make a lasting significant difference to our community and beyond.


“We are grateful for the opportunity to assist The Bridge Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center as they provide critical service for families in our community impacted by dementia,” stated the Rev. Dr. Will Scott, senior past of First Presbyterian Church.


“Purchasing this building is surreal,” stated Robert Smith, The Bridge board president. “Having a permanent home is a goal we have been working toward for many years now. When the organization was operated by volunteers, we did not have much of an office. Now we have a wonderful permanent home.”


Kyle Moore, a member of The Bridge Board of Directors, added, “Before, all we had was a post office box for people to contact us. We are very pleased to now have brick and mortar.”


The building will house the many dementia-friendly activities that The Bridge offers for the caregiver and their family member living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Some of the activities include caregiver support groups, educational workshops, individual or family counseling, and music and art projects. The capital campaign named “Building A Future” will continue throughout the year to raise money for building renovations.


An Open House to celebrate the purchase of the building is scheduled for Thursday, February 29, between 4 and 6 p.m. at The Bridge office.

Upcoming Events

Please note the change to several monthly programs and new Caregiver Support Groups!


February 8, 2024

2:00 p.m. – Caregiver Support Group

  • Location: The Bridge Alzheimer's and Dementia Resource Center, 851 Olive St., Shreveport, LA 71104


February 13, 2024

Noon – Caregiver Support Group

  • Location: Sabine Council on Aging, 206 Franklin St., Converse, LA 71419

2:00 p.m. – Caregiver Support Group

  • Location: Trinity Heights Baptist Church, 3820 Old Mooringsport Rd., Shreveport, LA 71107

4:00 p.m. – Caregiver Support Group

Location: Benton Council Aging, 202 Sibley St. Benton, LA 71006


February 14, 2024

11 a.m. – Wednesday with Friends: Bingo with your Valentine

  • Location: The Bridge Alzheimer's and Dementia Resource Center, 851 Olive St., Shreveport, LA 71104

1:00 p.m. – Caregiver Support Group

  • Location: First Presbyterian Church - Shreveport, 900 Jordan St., Shreveport, LA 71101

5:00 p.m. – Caregiver Support Group

  • Location: Broadmoor Baptist Church, 4110 Youree Dr., Shreveport, LA 71105


February 15, 2024

10:00 a.m. – Art Connection

  • Location: Noel Memorial UMC, 520 Herndon St., Shreveport, LA 71101

1:00 p.m. – Caregiver Support Group

  • Location: Savannah Grand of Bossier City, 4770 Brandon Blvd., Bossier City, LA 71111


February 17, 2024

9:30 a.m. – Caregiver Support Group

  • Location: Fitness Lady, 1700 Old Minden Rd. #180, Bossier City, LA 71111


February 20, 2024

2:00 p.m. – Caregiver Support Group

  • Location: Natchitoches Council on Aging, 1016 Keyser Ave., Natchitoches, LA 71457


February 21, 2024

1:00 p.m. – Zoom Online Support Group

  • Call The Bridge for login information at 318-656-4800

2:30 p.m. – Caregiver Support Group

  • Location: Brookdale Senior Living, 2540 Beene Blvd., Bossier City, LA 71111


February 23, 2024

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. – Latino Memory Screenings

  • Location: The Bridge Alzheimer's and Dementia Resource Center, 851 Olive St., Shreveport, LA 71104

2:00 p.m. – Drum and Hand Percussion Group

  • Location: The Bridge Alzheimer's and Dementia Resource Center, 851 Olive St., Shreveport, LA 71104


February 27, 2024

1:30 p.m. – Caregiver Support Group

  • Location: Ellerbe Road Methodist Church, 10130 Ellerbe Rd., Shreveport, LA 71106


February 28, 2024

1:00 p.m. – Caregiver Support Group

  • Location: First Presbyterian Church - Shreveport, 900 Jordan St., Shreveport, LA 71101


February 29, 2024

5:30 p.m. – Caregiver Support Group

  • Location: Broadmoor Presbyterian Church, 1915 Grover Place, Shreveport, LA 71105

Our guest speaker for First Wednesday Workshop in February was Jeff Overdyke, MD. Dr. Overdyke serves on the Board of Directors with The Bridge Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center. Dr. Overdyke worked as a Geriatric Psychiatrist in Shreveport for 12 years until his retirement due to medical reasons. Much of his work during those 12 years was on the frontline and involved diagnosing, treating, and educating patients and clients on Alzheimer’s and other dementias. “I am eager to pass along my knowledge and experience to help the clients at The Bridge.” You can view his presentation on our YouTube channel.

BINGO with Your Valentine is a great opportunity for the caregiver to bring their family member with dementia out for a Valentine’s Day outing. Come join us at the Bridge as we play several rounds of BINGO. Winners get to choose their own prize from the many selections of wonderful, scented candles to warm, fuzzy throws.


"Wednesday with Friends" will take place from 11:00 a.m. to noon at The Bridge Alzheimer's & Dementia Resource Center located at 851 Olive St, Shreveport. This activity is open to caregivers and their family member living with dementia.

ART can connect us socially, boost cognitive function, stimulate language, reawaken memories, & provide a sense of accomplishment. Join us every Third Tuesday at 10:00 am at Noel United Methodist Church.


This activity is open to caregivers and their family member living with dementia.

The Bienville Parish Main Library is hosting a Community Forum on Alzheimer’s & Dementia with speakers from The Bridge Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center on Wednesday, February 21 from 10 - 11:30 a.m. There is no cost to attend this event! Our speakers will cover topics such as Introduction to The Bridge and Its Services, Dementia 101, and Reducing Your Risk for Alzheimer’s. We hope to see you there! 

Join us for an informative and exciting session where we will explore various drums, hand percussion instruments, and participate in a drum circle. This event is open to caregivers and their family members or friends with dementia. Drum and Hand Percussion is every fourth Thursday at 2:00 pm at The Bridge Alzheimer's & Dementia Resource Center, located at 851 Olive St, Shreveport.


This activity is open to caregivers and their family member living with dementia.

Free Workshops Feature Breakout Session Speakers from Annual Education Conference


Are you interested in learning about depression in elders, the different levels of care available for elders, and caregiver empowerment?


Did you attend The Bridge Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center Education Conference but missed out on some of the breakout session speakers?


Here’s a chance to learn more about Alzheimer’s and dementia at our upcoming First Wednesday Workshops!


The Bridge Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center will feature three of the breakout session speakers from the 2023 Education Conference in their upcoming First Wednesday Workshops for February, March, and April.


Dr. Jeff Overdyke, retired Geriatric Psychiatrist will present “Addressing Depression in Elders” on February 7. Stacey Hand, MA, and Certified Validation Trainer (CVT) will present “Choosing the Right Care Environment: Navigating the Different Levels of Care” on March 6. Laura Gauthier, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) will present “Empowering Yourself as a Caregiver” on April 10.


Each workshop is an hour long from 11 am until 12 noon and will be held at The Bridge office located at 851 Olive St., Shreveport. The workshops are free of charge and will be recorded and uploaded to our YouTube channel after each session. For more information, call The Bridge office at 318-656-4800.

January Overview

LATEST NEWS

Find the latest news and events.

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

View caregiver videos or subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Congratulations, Christy!

Congratulations to Christy Kennedy upon her retirement! Pictured at her retirement reception are The Bridge board members left to right: Bridget Lyman, Vickie Rech, (Christy), Dr. Jeff Overdyke, Ellen Caverlee, and Carl Rhoads. 

Welcome Charlotte Gaffney to the Board of Directors


Please join us in welcoming Charlotte Gaffney to The Bridge Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center Board of Directors. This is Charlotte’s second term to serve on our board. She previously served on our Board of Directors when we were the Alzheimer's Agency of Shreveport – Bossier, Inc.

February's First Wednesday Workshop

Featuring Dr. Jeff Overdyke, “Addressing Depression in Elders”

WATCH NOW

January's First Wednesday Workshop

Featuring Dr. Mandy Crow, “Dementia Prevention and Risk Reduction Strategies”

WATCH NOW

January's Wednesday with Friends

Music from the 40s-50s with musical group Remember When!

WATCH NOW

Yokem Connection

Thank you to Yokem Toyota for featuring The Bridge Alzheimer's & Dementia Resource Center in the Yokem Connection. We appreciate you helping us spread the word about our valuable resources. 

WATCH NOW

Featured Reading

Managing Behavior with Alzheimer's


Research shows that some medicines such as sleep aids, anti-anxiety drugs, anticonvulsants, and antipsychotics can manage symptoms like sleeplessness, agitation, restlessness, aggression, anxiety, and depression. These medications should only be considered after safer, non-drug alternatives have not helped treat the symptoms and after talking with a doctor about the risks and side effects of drugs.


Read More

The ‘God-Mother’ of Person-Centered Care Has Left Us with Her Legacy


Our condolences are extended to the family and staff at the Validation Training Institute in the passing of VTI’s founder, Naomi Feil.


Read More

Local Support Groups

Monthly Schedule

Benton (Bossier Council on Aging Site)

202 Sibley Street

Benton, LA 71006

318-656-4800

2nd Tuesday at 4:00 p.m.

*Please note new time change.


The Blake at Bossier City

2000 Blake Blvd.

Bossier City, LA 71111

318-752-6611

1st Tuesday at 6:00 p.m.


The Bridge Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center

851 Olive Street

Shreveport, LA 71104       

318-656-4800

2nd Thursday at 2:00 p.m.


Broadmoor Baptist Church

4110 Youree Dr.

Shreveport, La 71105

318-868-6552

2nd Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.


Broadmoor Presbyterian Church

1915 Grover Street

Shreveport, LA 71105      

318-868-3659

4th Thursday at 5:30 p.m.


Brookdale Bossier City

2540 Beene Blvd.

Bossier City, LA 71111

318-747-2114

3rd Wednesday at 2:30 p.m.


First Presbyterian Church

900 Jordan Street

Shreveport, LA 71101

318-222-0604

2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m.

Fitness Lady

1700 Old Minden Road, Suite 180

Bossier City, LA 71111       

318-747-1897

3rd Saturday at 9:30 a.m.


Savannah Grand of Bossier City

4770 Brandon Blvd.

Bossier City, LA 71111

318-549-1001

3rd Thursday at 1:00 p.m.


The Glen

403 E. Flournoy Lucas Road

Shreveport, LA 71115      

318-798-3500

1st Thursday at 5:30 p.m.

    

Natchitoches Council on Aging

1016 Keyser Avenue

Natchitoches, LA 71467

318-357-3250

3rd Tuesday at 2:00 p.m.


Sabine Council on Aging

200 Legacy Drive

Many, LA 71449

318-256-4140

2nd Tuesday at Noon


Trinity Heights Baptist Church

3820 Old Mooringsport Rd.

Shreveport, LA 71107

318-656-4800

2nd Tuesday at 2:00 p.m.


ONLINE Zoom Group

ONLINE: Please call 318-656-4800 for login information.

3rd Wednesday at 1:00 p.m.

*Please call to confirm the date and time of group meetings before attending for the first time. Facilitators vary.

Why Join a Caregiver Support Group?

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Programs of The Bridge Alzheimer's & Dementia Resource Center are supported by

Community Foundation of North Louisiana ~ First Presbyterian Church Shreveport

The Alta and John Franks Foundation ~ Powers Foundation

The Thomas H. and Mayme P. Scott Foundation

The Bridge Alzheimer's & Dementia Resource Center

851 Olive Street

Shreveport, LA 71104

(318) 656-4800

www.alzbridge.org

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