Triad Nonprofit Supports Families Dealing with Dementia
by: Donna Hayes
When someone’s health is failing, when they’re diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia, or when they have an intellectual or developmental disability, they’re still a valuable member of society.
They just need a little extra help and support, and one nonprofit in the Piedmont Triad is making that assistance available to families and their caregivers.
“A lot of times, we have people that might come here that have been to other places, and they have just been there,” said Fanta Dorley, Executive Director of the Journey Adult Day Center. “It’s just a sitting spot, but what we develop with all of our participants is that they still can do things. There are still goals that they are able to achieve if they just work with us.”
Dorley says the center is all about restoring the joy in the journey and providing a safe environment for people dealing with disparities. She knows how difficult that path can be firsthand.
“So, I helped start this organization because of the services that I had to do for my grandfather, grandmother, and my father during the time,” Dorley said. “I felt that without a day center, without a community program, I would not have been able to live my life while taking care of them, so I want to be that extension that I had for other people in the community.”
The day center helps adults 18 and older who are dealing with disabilities, dementia, Alzheimer’s, or medical challenges such as a stroke. The location on Yanceyville Street in Greensboro offers exercise classes, music therapy, crafts, and more, with medical staff on site. The Journey Adult Day Center also provides respite to caregivers who need some time to rest and take care of themselves. Dorley says a $20,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro helps make the programs possible.
“Without the help of the community foundation, we would not be able to do the work that we do,” said Dorley. “Because of their unrestricted funds, we’re able to partner with different agencies in the communities to provide the wraparound services, a continuum of care that enables people to move on with their lives and not just be stuck because of their disparities.”
Help from the community foundation is also supporting a youth program for girls ages 12 to 16 to encourage them to pursue future careers in the health field. The day center is also always looking for volunteers to help with programs. Learn more about Journey Adult Day Center at myjadc.org.