About Memory Cafés
Do you or a loved one have memory loss? Imagine a community of individuals experiencing memory loss actively engaging in singing, games, activities, conversation, and creative fun. Memory Cafés provide an innovative form of social engagement for people living with dementia, cognitive decline, or other forms of memory loss.
This engaging experience is designed to be enjoyed by those with memory loss as well as their care partners, family, and friends. Memory Cafés create a rich, diverse environment where friendships are built and enjoyed among all those experiencing the journey of memory loss.
What to Expect at a Memory Café
Memory Cafés consist of facilitated activities, informal conversation, and light refreshments. There is no cost to participate. Designed to be interactive, Memory Cafés allow for the person with memory loss and their care partner to interact in ways they had prior to the memory loss. Café themes have included guest speakers and presentations, musical performances, art projects, and games and activities that engage those with memory loss. An experienced facilitator and additional volunteers lead the cafés. The settings are relaxed and comfortable with accessibility for those with mobility limitations. The environment and activities are optimized to help people with memory loss engage in the social gathering. Please visit our Gallery for great photos of our Memory Cafés!
What are the results of participating?
Based on survey data from café attendees, they report that cafés aid in combating a major challenge in living with memory loss or caring for someone living with memory loss – social isolation. They also state that the café activities often help with recall of personal memories and provide engaging opportunities that are not otherwise available due to memory loss. Memory Cafés also provide family and care partners with a shared experience and fosters meaningful connections among loved ones and friends.
How did Memory Cafès start?
Memory Cafés were developed in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands and have been found to reduce social isolation, provide enjoyable interaction without stigma, act as an entry point for needed resources, and offer access to education and information throughout each person’s memory loss journey.
Memory Café Locations
Questions? Call 920-225-1711 or e-mail [email protected]
Appleton
Meade Street Bistro, 2729 N Meade Street, Appleton – Thursday, October 3– 1:30p
Get ready for a lively and fun-filled Bingo session! Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, everyone’s welcome to enjoy a chance to win prizes and share some laughs. Don’t miss out!
Thompson Center on Lourdes, 2331 E Lourdes Dr, Appleton – Wednesday, October 9 – 10:00a
Come have fun! We will have a hoot with BOO BINGO! Fa-boo-lous prizes!!!
Meade Street Bistro, 2729 N Meade Street, Appleton – Thursday, October 17 – 1:30p
To be determined.
Chilton
Ledge View Nature Center, W2348 Short Road, Chilton – Tuesday, October 8– 1:30p
To be determined
Freedom
Buzz’s Pub & Grill, W2116 County Rd S, Freedom – Thursday, October 17 – 10:30a
Dust off your sawdust and join master woodworker Dan to see his latest projects. Ask questions about his experience, learn about wood crafts & enjoy the smells of different lumbers.
Fremont
Neuschafer Community Library of Fremont, 317 Wolf River Dr, Fremont – Monday, October 7– 1:30p
Get ready for a fun-filled time playing bingo with friends! Enjoy the excitement, friendly competition, and great company as we mark our cards and celebrate the winners. Everyone’s invited—don’t miss out!
Greenville
Fox West YMCA, W6931 School Road, Greenville – Wednesday, October 2 – 1:30p
To be determined.
Kaukauna
Kaukauna Public Library, 207 Thilmany Road, Suite 200, Kaukauna – Monday, October 14– 1:00p
*Please see the new time going forward*
Wear your orange & help us celebrate all things pumpkin. Farmer Joe will share his passion for pumpkins & share stories of his successful hobby farm. Take home some fall fun too!
Kimberly
Heart of the Valley YMCA, 225 W Kennedy Avenue, Kimberly – Thursday, October 10 – 1:30p
To be determined.
Kimberly Public Library, 515 W. Kimberly Avenue, Kimberly
Cancelled, returning in January 2025.
Menasha
Menasha Senior Center, 116 Main St, Menasha – Tuesday, October 22 – 1:30p
Come share a fun Halloween memory like a costume party where everyone dressed up in creative outfits, or a spooky story about a haunted house visit that turned into a thrilling adventure or a scary haunting event that you have experienced.
Neenah
Neenah Public Library, 240 E Wisconsin Ave, Neenah – Monday, October 21 – 1:30p
Officer Joe Benoit, Community Policing Coordinator from the Neenah PD, will be joining us to provide valuable safety tips and answer your questions in an interactive Q&A session. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to stay safe in your community!
New London
Mosquito Hill Nature Center, N3380 Rogers Road, New London – Wednesday, October 9 – 1:30p
Quoth the Raven. Come hear about the nature of this mysterious bird!
Oshkosh
Oshkosh YMCA on 20th, 3303 W 20th Avenue, Oshkosh – Wednesday, October 2 – 1:30p
To be determined.
Oshkosh Traveling Memory Café, Oshkosh Public Library, 106 Washington Ave, Oshkosh – Wednesday, October 16 – 1:30p
Our Readers’ Advisory Librarian – and award-winning horror novelist – Sarah Read is excited to join our group and share some thrilling ghost stories. Don’t miss this spooky and imaginative session!
Waupaca
Waupaca Fox Valley Technical College, 1979 Godfrey Dr, Waupaca – Monday, October 14 – 1:30p
Cancelled this month.