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Come As You Are: A Place to Connect, Relax and Belong

Free social gathering in Ann Arbor that brings people living with memory changes and their care partners together.

AARP

Mid adult women embracing in a group therapy

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Everyone belongs. Memory changes included.

People living with brain changes are a valued part of our community. Opportunities to connect with others in a fun, relaxing environment with loved ones are important for everyone’s health and well-being.

That’s where Memory Cafés come in.

Memory Cafés are comfortable, social gatherings in dementia-friendly venues that allow people experiencing memory loss and a loved one to connect, socialize and build new support networks. Cafés are free to attend and open to all.

Dementia Friendly Services, in association with Holy Faith Church, began the "Come As You Are" Memory Café in 2020. Now hosted by the First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor, in collaboration with AARP Michigan, one to three cafés are hosted each month. Come late, leave early, come once, come each time, participate, or just observe.

What a Memory Café is:

A meeting place for individuals living with changes in their thinking or memory.
A diagnosis of dementia is not required to attend. It’s a free place to relax, have fun and meet others.
A meeting place for care partners to enjoy a change of routine, and experience respite and renewal in their relationships.
Structured to support and engage individuals with a range of cognitive changes, and their care partners.
A time to focus on socializing and exploring TOGETHER.
A program that strives for inclusion. This includes physical accessibility, respect for and inclusiveness of different cultures and freedom from stigma.

What a Memory Café is NOT:

NOT a workshop, seminar or lecture about dementia.
NOT a facilitated support group. (Although the Café is a supportive environment.)
NOT a drop-off respite program. (It’s a place for partners to interact with each other in new ways.)

What to learn more? Click here to explore what Memory Cafés are all about.

All cafés are held at First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor, 4001 Ann Arbor Saline Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. Join us from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on the dates below. Register by clicking the links below!

Wednesday, September 16