The mission of NAZADA is to build a community of respect and support for those living with or affected by Alzheimer’s and related dementias. We do this by offering educational programs to improve understanding of Alzheimer’s and related dementias, links to additional resources on our webpage, a community café that offers a combination of socialization, education, and activities in a relaxed positive environment, and most recently initiating a program to gift respite services to individuals in need.
The vision of NAZADA is to create a caring community for people living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. To further this vision, NAZADA will continue to provide the education and supportive activities that we have already established and work to expand our ability to gift respite services to those in need. In addition, we will begin collaborating with other community organizations in Northern Arizona to create a dementia friendly community that is informed, safe, and respectful of individuals living with dementia and their families and caregivers.
It is through the support of our volunteers and donors that we have been able to accomplish the following.
We had 45 volunteers who worked countless hours to help make NAZADA 2023 goals a reality.
We had our 2nd Annual Cherish the Moments’ Walk. It was a huge success.
- We had 189 participants and 39 sponsors and 15 vendors.
- We were able to raise $15,000 that is being used to gift respite care to individuals in need so that family members/caregivers have the opportunity to take a break from responsibilities or to take care of personal needs.
- We have been able to help 4 individuals so far, and our goal is to help 26 more before our next fundraising walk in July.
The Memory Café met on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, except February when there was too much snow! Activities included making hot mocha mason jars, potato/herb planting (Donated by Warners), hand massages, chair yoga with Dee, rock painting, bird identification, Pumpkin no bake dog treats donated to Humane organization, candy bags, and decorating a holiday paper tablecloth while singing songs.
NAZADA collaborated with Dementia Friends Arizona and Coconino County Arizona Health and Human Services to provide quarterly educational offerings:
- Caregiving From Afar – Ronald J. Goldman, LMSW, LF, CMC – founder and owner of Arizona Elder Care
- Caring For A Loved One With Alzheimer’s: A panel of real-life experiences
- Fall Prevention for Seniors – Heather Williams and Kim Austin with the injury Prevention Team at CCHHS and sponsored by Highgate Senior Living
- Connecting Native American Communities With Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Education – Nicole Lomay, the Senior Outreach Program Manager for the Native American Outreach Program at Banners Alzheimer’s Institute in Phoenix
What’s next?
Going into 2024, our goal is to continue the Memory Café, Educational Offerings, and our 3rd Annual Cherish the Moments’ Walk, the profits of which will be used to expand our gifts of respite care.
If you were not able to attend any of the Educational Offerings or wish to see them again, please go to NAZADA’s YouTube page at Northern Arizona Alzheimer’s and Dementia Alliance – YouTube
The Majestic Mountain Café meets monthly on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 10 A.M.
Finally, NAZADA is forming a new committee that will collaborate with Aging Well Arizona, a new initiative of the NARBHA Institute to work towards supporting the growing number of individuals with dementia and their family and friend care partners. By working to develop a community that is informed, safe, and respectful of individuals living with dementia, we can improve the quality of life in the greater Flagstaff area.
Please take a moment to view our notable presentations from our inaugural meeting:
Community Meeting Videos from November 2023 – Aging Well Arizona (agingwellaz.org)
How can you help?
Check out our “Get Involved” link on the NAZADA.org webpage for volunteer opportunities.
Participate in our Annual Cherish the Moments’ Walk: be a participant, volunteer, or donor.
Check out our Ways to Give link on the NAZADA.org website
Thank you!
Terry Smith
NAZADA Board Chair