January 1, 2019      
Thank You!
Thank you to those who have already generously contributed to the end of year donor appeal mailing Fox Valley Memory Project sent out in mid-December. If you did not receive the contribution envelope in the mail and would like to send a donation, you can mail a check to the FVMP office at 1800 Appleton Rd, Menasha, WI 54952. Thank you for your support of The Project!
Support Us on Amazon
Fox Valley Memory Project is now an available charity you can select on Amazon Smile. Amazon donates a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charity.  Please visit    smile.amazon.com  to select FVMP to receive Amazon donations.  Each time you shop Amazon, be sure to do so through the Smile link in order for the purchases to be eligible.  
FVMP Mindworks Coming Soon!
Lutheran Social Services and Fox Valley Memory Project are working together to transfer Mindworks over to Fox Valley Memory Project. United Way Fox Cities is generously supporting this program transfer with partner agency grant funds.  This transfer would not be possible without the support of United Way Fox Cities.
 
Mindworks is a program providing those with dementia a proactive approach to brain fitness and overall health and wellness.  Mindworks students also enjoy friendship and social connections. The next session is slated to begin in January. Call Jill Grambow, Executive Director, at 920-225-1724 with questions.  
Community Class: Dementia-Friendly Communities
Fox Valley Memory Project and  Kimberly-Little Chute Public Library are teaming up to present an education opportunity that will focus on Dementia-Friendly Communities and the resources available to folks in our area. There will be two events offered on January 8, 2019 at 10:00a and 6:00p at the Kimberly Municipal Building. View the Events tab on the Fox Valley Memory Project Facebook page or click here to see the Kimberly-Little Chute Public Library event calendar.

Also, the Library at the Kimberly Municipal Building is featuring Fox Valley Memory Project in one of their display cases for the month of January! The display case will contain books, projects, art, and FVMP-related materials. Go check it out!
Memory Cafés
Memory Cafés welcome those experiencing early stage dementia, mild memory loss or cognitive impairment, as well as family and friends of those affected.  They are a great opportunity for lively discussions, information gathering, refreshments, camaraderie and creative fun! We have a gerontology professional available to answer questions and an enormous wealth of experience among participants to be shared. We'd be delighted if you would join us!   We request everyone attend with a partner!  Call 920-225-1711 for more information.  Click below for our upcoming café schedules.   

Memory Loss Resource Center
The Memory Loss Resource Center provides information to those experiencing a dementia, their care partners, family and friends. Call 920-225-1711 to ask questions or schedule an appointment to obtain information and community resources.    
Online Resources from DHS
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services, in conjunction with Dementia-Capable Wisconsin, has made an online guide available to those who care for a person with a dementia. This guide may answer some questions and provide helpful suggestions on how to respond to some common symptoms of memory loss. Click here for the flyer and link to this online resource guide.
Memory Assessment Center
Memory Assessments are provided at Mosaic Family Health, 229 S. Morrison Street. Initial assessments screen for memory impairment and assess overall health. If necessary, a more comprehensive memory evaluation can be provided in order to further diagnose a dementia or memory loss disability. Call Mosaic at 920-997-8436 to schedule an appointment.       
REACH In-Home Caregiver Support
REACH (Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer's Caregiver Health) is a 6-month evidence-based in-home caregiver intervention program.  REACH supports the caregiver by addressing issues such as emotional well-being, stress management, troubling behaviors, problem solving and self-care.   You may contact the Caregiver Coach, Heather Flick, directly at 920-997-8407 to find out more about this program. All calls are confidential.  Click here to read more about the REACH Program. 
Join Us to Dine and Socialize
Fox Valley Memory Project strives to reduce social isolation in a stigma-free environment for care partners and their loved ones with memory loss. We help to facilitate opportunities to socialize.
 
The next social meetup has been set for Wednesday, January 16 at 4:30 PM in the private meeting room at Pizza Ranch, N139 Eisenhower Dr. in Appleton.  Come meet up with your Memory Project friends for a meal together and great conversation.       
Valley VNA Senior Care Offers 
Lyrics & Laughter
Research shows that music, especially with active participation, demonstrates physiological, emotional and social benefits to those with memory loss. Active participation stimulates the brain and also has some physical benefits. Music is a road to memories and helps those with dementia to engage and socialize in ways they normally cannot do.

The next series of "Lyrics & Laughter " begins January 10 and runs through February 14. You can choose between a morning session beginning at  9:30 AM or an afternoon session beginning at 1 PM .   Please call 920-727-5555 to make a reservation for this engaging program.   Click here  for more information. This program is held at Valley VNA Senior Care, 1535 Lyon Dr in Neenah.
SPARK!
SPARK! is a program for caregivers and loved ones living with memory loss.  The Trout Museum of Art (with a second program at St Paul Elder Service) and The Building for Kids Children's Museum are pleased to be among the Wisconsin museums awarded funding by Bader Philanthropies and the Community Foundation to create programming where participants engage in lively discussions, art making, and multi-sensory activities. 
 
Each one-hour program is led by a specially trained museum educator who will engage participants in interactive exhibit experiences.  After each program, coffee and conversation is led by volunteers who give participants and caregivers the opportunity to support and socialize.  
                  
Registration: Contact The Trout Museum at 920-733-4089 or the Building for Kids at 920-734-3226 to reserve your spot.   Registration is required at least one week prior to your selected program(s).  Space is limited. 
 
Learn by Doing:  Take A Virtual Dementia Tour
BrightStar Care of Appleton/Fox Cities offers a unique and moving experience known as a Virtual Dementia Tour. Three afternoon sessions take place the 3rd Monday of each month at BrightStar Care located at 35 Park Place, Appleton. Click here for the 2019 Virtual Dementia Tour and registration information.
Memory Care Respite Partners
A monthly respite program is held on the 1st & 2nd Monday of each month at St Paul Lutheran Church in Neenah. This free program is staffed by professional caregivers and trained volunteers. Activities include music, organized arts, crafts and refreshments. 
Registration is requested by email at  [email protected] or by calling 920-383-1180.   Click here  for more information.  
 Educational Programs Offered by the Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association of Greater Wisconsin offers free family and consumer education programs.  Click here to access more information about these local educational events and as well as support groups.  You can also access their website by  clicking here.
NEW Caregiver Support  
Mosaic Family Health at 229 S Morrison St in downtown Appleton has started a new family caregiver support group. The new group is offered the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Free parking is in the Mosaic clinic front parking lot. Share your journey with others having similar experiences. Click here for the flyer with meeting dates and contact information.    
 Thank You to Our Generous Supporters
Fox Valley Memory Project is funded entirely by donations and grants. Thank you to all who generously contribute to the organization.   
 Collaborating to Improve Quality of Life
 Fox Valley Memory Project collaborates with other organizations to offer programs and services that improve quality of life for persons with dementia, as well as their family care partners and friends. We encourage practices of hospitality and inclusion that make our community dementia-friendly.