Neighborhood Philanthropy: Memory Makers

Oxford is host to some wonderful non-profit organizations that provide for our community in so many ways. We want to provide a glimpse of these organizations each month. Memory Makers, Respite Day Services of Oxford Inc., provides care to adults with early to middle stages Alzheimer's Disease or other dementia in a secure, respectful and welcoming environment. 

My husband and I learned about Memory Makers when his mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2014. We were put in touch with its founder, Jo Ann O’Quin, who guided us through both learning how to be a caregiver and how to get his mother involved at Memory Makers as a participant. The program is typically run four days a week (Monday-Thursday) from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. Participants are engaged in numerous kinds of activities from yoga to music to puzzles to arts/crafts to gardening to brain teasers. A light lunch is provided each day and volunteers are there to help with the activities and the setting up of each space. The caregivers are welcome to stay and participate or take a much needed break for themselves.

Two staff members do the bulk of the work: Program Director, Bernadette Davis and Activities Director, Clark Ross. They are always looking for volunteers and donations. They have set up an Amazon wish-list and have provided a Donate button on their website for all monetary donations. Interested in volunteering? Fill out their Volunteer Form.

Learn more about Memory Makers here or pop by to see their space located at 106 Skyline Drive. A HUGE thank you to Memory Makers staff and board of directors for all you do for the Oxford/Lafayette county community!