Memory Cafés are a place for those with dementia and their caregivers to engage in art, enjoy games and puzzles, and learn about interesting topics in a safe and welcoming environment. Memory Cafés are lead by volunteer facilitators and are not for respite care.
9:30-11:30 a.m.
1st Tuesday of the Month
New Buffalo Township Library
33 N. Thompson St., New Buffalo
9:30-11:30 a.m.
2nd Thursday of the Month
Niles District Library
620 E. Main St., Niles
1:00-3:00 p.m.
3rd Monday of the Month (2nd Monday in January and February due to holidays)
Lincoln Township Public Library
2099 W. John Beers Road, Stevensville
While registration is not mandatory, it will help us notify attendees if there is a change or cancellation due to weather or illness. Questions? Call Jess at 269-932-7865.
Interested in becoming a volunteer facilitator?
Memory Café Facilitators are a friendly face at each Café. They are caring and sociable to ensure everyone feels welcome. Facilitators may implement programs, encourage participation and conversations, and promote additional resources and brochures for those in attendance. Throughout every café, the facilitator ensures a safe and welcoming environment for all participants. The Memory Café facilitators will be supported by the Campus for Creative Aging Coordinator. The Coordinator develops programming, trains the volunteers, promotes the Cafes, and ensures coordination with the libraries, café participants, and all facilitators.
Memory Cafes are not a place of respite. Caregivers join their care recipient at each café and together they experience a haven for nonjudgemental fun. Facilitators bring their passions, creativity, and kindness to support every café participant offering hospitality and entertainment without the social stigma often associated with cognitive changes.
Interested in becoming one of the Memory Café Facilitators?
To be a Memory Café Facilitator, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Successfully complete Dementia Friends Training and a police background check
- Be friendly and nonjudgmental
Within Berrien County, Memory Café Facilitators serve in either of the following libraries:
- New Buffalo Township Library – 1st Tuesday of the Month from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Niles District Library – 2nd Thursday of the Month from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Lincoln Township Public Library – 3rd Monday of the Month from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 9 (2nd Tuesday in January and February due to holidays)
Additional hours for training and collaborative meetings required outside of the above Café times. These other hours are flexible and will be scheduled during convenient times for all facilitators.
To express interest, contact Jess Kolbe at JessKolbe@areaagencyonaging.org or 269-932-7865. Or express interest online by clicking the button below.