As Rotary International focuses global attention on Mental Health and its worldwide impact, local Rotarians are creating local projects and support programs here in Georgia to addressing the challenges and life-style disruptions these cognitive conditions bring to patients as well as their families, friends and caregivers.

Supported by a generous major donation to The Rotary Foundation targeting Alzheimer’s Disease, plus every Rotarian’s contribution three years ago, District 6900 is awarding special one- time only Community Grants totaling more than $91,000 in Alzheimer’s relief support to 10 clubs performing seven different projects.  Each of these Rotary Clubs submitted plans developed specifically to address needs they discovered through researching their own communities.  District 6900 will also award a global grant or possibly two to allow our Clubs to address the Alzheimer’s challenges on a wider basis.

Congratulations to everyone participating in these pilot projects.  The Alpharetta, Americus Atlanta Airport, Carrolton DawnBreakers, Carrolton at Noon, Bremen, North Columbus, Sandy Springs, Marietta and North Cobb Clubs won D6900’s first Alzheimer’s Disease Community Grants. Read on for a brief description of each of their projects.

Alpharetta – Grant provides education on the diseases as well as current best practices for treatment and comfort to the caregivers, families and members of the communities.  Caregivers will be offered much needed “Respite Days” once per month with leisure activities offered by the club to 120 caregivers.  While the Caregivers enjoy their day, their loved ones will receive the care they need through professional care giving services offered through businesses associated with the Alpharetta Club.  The Grant also supports two information training seminar days with guest Speakers.

Americus – “Caring for Me, Caring for You”- developed at the Rosalynn Carter Institute – Grant Offers 5 part interactive training (5 weeks, 2 hours each week) to all Rotarians and members of the community at large. Participants may become “Dementia Friends” and advocates in the community.

Atlanta Airport – Rotarians are supporting their community’s low income seniors living either independently, or in care facilities, and are struggling to afford day to day personal care items, clothing, medical and cleaning supplies through “Daddy’s Closet."

Carrolton Dawn Breakers, Carrolton at Noon & Bremen Clubs – In partnership with “The West Georgia Council on Aging” – This Grant will help sponsor three annual social events for Senior Citizens to enjoy and come together – Thanksgiving, Valentine’s and Spring Fling.   In addition, Rotarians will add 27 classes per month in the most effective memory care services - exercise, art, music and movement.  The classes will be provided to citizens living in three senior housing facilities plus Memory Care facilities in the West Georgia area.  All equipment and supplies are included in the Rotary services.

North Columbus – Rotarians from North Columbus are giving social events including live music, dancing, snacks and Ice Cream to residents and guests of three senior living and memory care facilities in the area.  Entertainment provided by the Club’s Member musicians and band.

Sandy Springs – Club members will support programs of music and art therapy offered at the Dorothy Benton Center, a multi-level senior complex for residents 55+ years of age.  The Center’s Adult Day Care and the Rotary Club of Sandy Springs will offer safe and socially interactive classes in art, crafts and music therapy as well as Holiday and Birthday events.  A portion of the Grant will improve the sound system and provide instruments.

Rotary Clubs of Marietta and North Cobb – Rotarians, in partnership with “Aloha to Alzheimers”  a 501c3 organization in the area, will provide community classes and free viewing of “A Day in the Life."  This interactive film and experience gives attendees a chance to learn firsthand what a person suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease may see, think and feel daily. Rotarians are also supporting added day care classes and furnishing supplies, including totes and tee shirts, for “Heart Strings," serving 250 more seniors in the Cobb area.

We will continue to publish individual progress reports as we proceed through this year and hope there are many additional Grants in our future.