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
Outagamie County
Meade Street Bistro
1st & 3rd Thursday of the month
2729 N Meade St
Appleton, WI 54911
Thompson Center on Lourdes
2nd Wednesday of the month
2331 E Lourdes Dr.
Appleton, WI 54915
Greenville Fox West YMCA
1st Wednesday of the month
W6931 School Road
Greenville, WI 54942
Heart of the Valley YMCA
2nd Thursday of the month
225 W Kennedy Avenue, Kimberly 54316
Kaukauna Public Library
2nd Monday of the month
111 Main Avenue
Kaukauna, WI 54130
Kimberly Public Library
4th Wednesday of the month
515 W Kimberly Avenue
Kimberly, WI 54136
New London Mosquito Hill Nature Center
2nd Wednesday of the month
N3880 Rogers Road
New London, WI 54961
Calumet County
AriensCo Museum
3rd Tuesday of the month
Brillion, WI 54110
Brillion Nature Center
1st Tuesday of the month
W1135 Deer View Rd,
Brillion, WI 54110
Chilton Ledge View Nature Center
2nd Tuesday of the month
W2348 Short Rd
Chilton, WI 53014
Winnebago County
Menasha – Elisha D. Smith Public Library
3rd Wednesday of the month
440 First Street
Menasha, WI 54952
Neenah Public Library
3rd Monday of the month
240 E Wisconsin Ave
Neenah, WI 5495
Oshkosh Public Library
2nd Wednesday of the month
106 Washington Avenue
Oshkosh, WI 54901
Oshkosh YMCA 20th Avenue
Last Monday of the month
3303 W 20th Avenue
Oshkosh, WI 54904
Waupaca County
Fremont – Neuschafer Community Library of Fremont
1st Monday of the month
317 Wolf River Drive
Fremont, WI 54940
New London Senior Center
4th Monday of the month
600 W Washington Street
New London, WI 54961
Manawa – Sturm Memorial Library, Location at Little Wolf Town Hall E6325 County Rd N, Manawa
2nd Thursday of the month
Little Wolf Town Hall E6325 County Rd N, Manawa
Waupaca Senior Center
2nd Monday of the month
407 School St., Waupaca
