The Memory Project
The Memory Project is an in-person initiative of the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan for individuals struggling with early memory loss and their families. Family members and caregivers meet in an ongoing support group facilitated by an experienced social worker, to increase coping skills and gain support and connection to the community as well as education, respite, and access to critical resources. At the same time, their partners experiencing cognitive decline participate in a specially designed program that emphasizes engagement in music and the arts.
The JCC, a large, intergenerational, and diverse community, provides a welcoming space that is already a "home away from home" for many, a safe place that is or will quickly become a familiar environment for both caregivers and participants.
The Memory Project aims to:
- Create a family-focused program in which the needs of the entire family are identified, and caregivers are able to enhance coping skills and learn about available community resources and how to access them.
- Develop a community of support for the program participants and caregivers.
- Establish ongoing programming for this community at the JCC in a non-clinical, normalizing environment.
The program elements include:
- A weekly program with music, dance, movement, and cognitive activities designed for individuals with memory loss.
- A support group for caregivers facilitated by an LCSW.
- A variety of appropriate programs at the JCC will be available to the participants, including a bi-weekly Memory Cafe respite experience where caregivers are encouraged to drop off their participating family member.
Testimonials
"It is commendable that the JCC is expanding its programming to address the ever-expanding issue of memory loss, a challenge that confronts families throughout the country."
- Caregiver
"I have been improvising these kinds of moves and it has helped getting me clearer and in better spirits. Thank you so much."
- Memory Loss Participant
"I can only say that my wife leaves each session a little happier than when the session began. Of additional support is a concurrent session for caregivers. A first as far as I know."
- Caregiver
Meet the Team
Judith Margolis, MSW, Memory Project Program Director
Jen Cinclair, Program Manager
Linda Cholodenko, Performing Arts Specialist
Alice Nadelman, Ph.D., Educational Consultant and Trainer
Fran Hamermesh, Community Resource Specialist
This is a project of The Wechsler Center for Modern Aging, under the direction of Susan Lechter.
For more information, contact Program Director Judy Margolis at 646.505.4398 or jmargolis@mmjccm.org.
Thank you to our community partners for supporting this project
