LIFE, a Foundation dedicated to supporting individuals with dementia, inaugurated its latest memory café site within the premises of Avon Lake United Church of Christ, located at 32801 Electric Blvd., in Avon Lake on February 21.
This ceremonial ribbon-cutting signifies the establishment of the sixth memory café by the foundation in Northeast Ohio. Notably, this café marks the fourth one in Lorain County alone, as highlighted by the organization’s CEO, Carole Klingler.
Scheduled to run every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the weekly gathering aims to provide a welcoming environment for caregivers and their loved ones to engage in social activities, music, games, and more, as emphasized by Klingler.
The significance of this new location lies in its accessibility, reducing the stress associated with transporting individuals with dementia far from their homes, Klingler added.
The grand opening event was commemorated with a celebration attended by Carole Klingler, CEO of LIFE, a Dementia Friendly Foundation, and Dante Giancola, Director of Government Affairs for the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging, on February 21. This event marked a pivotal moment for the foundation’s outreach efforts.
Rev. Kelly Brill expressed her satisfaction in bringing the memory café to Avon Lake after years of planning, emphasizing the importance of creating spaces that cater to individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.
Mayor Mark Spaetzel of Avon Lake, who personally understands the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease, acknowledged the significance of such initiatives in the community, providing essential support and engagement opportunities for those affected.
Looking ahead, Klingler revealed plans for a seventh location in Orrville later this year, underscoring the growing impact and relevance of the foundation’s work in supporting individuals with dementia.