PARTNERS

A Creative Arts Program for People with Memory Loss

What Is PARTNERS?

PARTNERS is an arts program designed specifically for people in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease and related forms of dementia. Dementia is a disease of isolation. Our mission is to provide respite care in a safe, supportive environment that stimulates creative thinking, encourages physical activity, increases social interaction, and celebrates self-expression. Participants are matched with volunteers and together explore the joy of working creatively in the arts.

Research has shown that actively engaging in the arts may slow the decline in various dementias. At PARTNERS we want our participants to be successful and to feel a part of the community. Building self-esteem is an important part of what we do.

When & Where Does it Meet?

First United Church offers PARTNERS twice each week on Tuesday and Thursday from 1pm to 4pm. It is open to all and the cost is moderate. Dates of upcoming sessions are:

 

Fall I: August 28 - October 18, 2007

Fall II: October 25 - December 20, 2007

Winter/Spring I: January 8 -  February 28, 2008

Winter/Spring II: March 11 - May 1, 2008

Summer I: May 13 - June 19, 2008

Summer II: July 1 - August 8, 2008

How Can I Find Out More?

Please call PARTNERS at: First United Church , 812-332-4439 or email director.pARTners@gmail.com:

•  If you have a family member or friend who could benefit from our program.

•  If you would like to sponsor a participant for a session or make a donation to our scholarship fund.

•  To learn how to become a volunteer in the program.

•  To donate program supplies, art materials and equipment.

•  If you would like more information.

What Are the Objectives of PARTNERS?

With the PARTNERS program, First United Church seeks to provide a creative arts program for people with early memory loss that meets the following needs:

 

•  To feel involved and creative in one's life, irrespective of age or diagnosis.

•  To feel like a valued and contributing part of a community.

•  To benefit from a supportive environment designed to maximize independence, satisfaction, and success.

•  To provide a learning environment not only for participating clients in the program, but also for family caregivers, participating staff, volunteers, and students.

•  To provide the opportunity for clients to be both teachers and life-long learners.

•  To facilitate community-wide collaborative support from organizations and agencies that are concerned with the human rights and quality of life of all members of our community, including those with memory loss.

•  To facilitate intergenerational communicationand understanding.

•  To provide a program that is a “best practice” teaching model that could be replicated in other communities.

Imagination is not the talent of some men,

but is the health of every man.

                       -Ralph Waldo Emerson