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, May 2– 1:30p
Hey Y’all. We’re talking the Kentucky Derby & Horses. Led by guest facilitator Tory Much.
Thompson Center on Lourdes, 2331 E Lourdes Dr, Appleton – Wednesday, May 8 – 10:00a
Beach Blanket Bingo! Travel back in time as we enjoy all things 1960’s!
Meade Street Bistro, 2729 N Meade Street, Appleton – Thursday, May 16 – 1:30p
To be determined. Please keep an eye out for updates that will be communicated through email and social media.
Brillion
AriensCo Museum, 109 Calumet St, Brillion
Cancelled, Returning in the fall.
Chilton
Ledge View Nature Center, W2348 Short Road, Chilton – Tuesday, May 14 – 1:30p
Eating good food – The gift that just keeps on giving! You learn through eating and tasting food, come and enjoy this delicious event.
Freedom
Buzz’s Pub & Grill, W2116 County Rd S, Freedom – Thursday, May 16 – 10:30a
Join us to discuss America’s favorite past time, collector cards, and baseball trivia
Fremont
Neuschafer Community Library of Fremont, 317 Wolf River Dr, Fremont – Monday, May 6 – 1:30p
To be determined. Please keep an eye out for updates that will be communicated through email and social media.
Greenville
Fox West YMCA, W6931 School Road, Greenville – Wednesday, May 1 – 1:30p
Stretch your limits. Learn about stretching exercises that can be done seated or standing. Do you have a nagging muscle? Perhaps the right stretch will do the trick. This class is for all levels of exercisers.
Kaukauna
Kaukauna Public Library, 207 Thilmany Road, Suite 200, Kaukauna – Monday, May 13– 1:30p
Join us at the library for an afternoon of storytelling while enjoying beautiful accordion music performed by Micah Sommersmith. Micah will treat us with some favorite songs and we’ll have special treats to go with it!
Kimberly
Heart of the Valley YMCA, 225 W Kennedy Avenue, Kimberly
Cancelled, returning in July.
Kimberly Public Library, 515 W. Kimberly Avenue, Kimberly – Wednesday, May 22 – 1:30 p
Tour New Orleans’ famous gardens with Master Gardener Tom Wentzel. Following the visual tour, Tom will lead a hands-on planting activity to get you ready for summer.
Menasha
Menasha Senior Center, 116 Main St, Menasha – Tuesday, May 28 – 1:30p
Meet some local heroes! The firemen at the Neenah/Menasha Fire Department have a wide range of responsibilities and use a variety of skills to perform important duties for the community. Learn about a day in the life of a local firefighter! If weather permits, we will be able to go outside and check out the fire truck!
Neenah
Neenah Public Library, 240 E Wisconsin Ave, Neenah – Monday, May 20 – 1:30p
We will bring back our favorite Kentucky Derby Party, complete with horse racing!
New London
Mosquito Hill Nature Center, N3380 Rogers Road, New London – Wednesday, May 8 – 1:30p
The Marvelous Magnificent Dragonfly! Come learn about these ancient flying marvels!
New London Senior Center, 600 W Washington Street, New London – Monday, May 27 – 1:30p
Cancelled this month.
Oshkosh
Oshkosh YMCA, 3303 W 20th Avenue, Oshkosh – Wednesday, May 1 – 1:30p
May Day! Let’s usher in summer with a May Day celebration! We’ll make a May basket to give to a neighbor or a bird feeder for your backyard. Enjoy cake to mark the beginning of summer!
Oshkosh Traveling Memory Café at The Paine Gardens, 1410 Algoma Blvd, Oshkosh – Wednesday, May 15 – 1:30p
Exploring the Paine Gardens with all your senses and creating Cyanotypes (sun prints) with plant materials. Our home base will be the ceremony tent in the gardens. If the weather is bad, we will use the conservatory.
Waupaca
Waupaca Fox Valley Technical College, 1979 Godfrey Dr, Waupaca – Monday, May 13 1:30p
Flower power – We will be talking about and making flowers!