Page 20 - Gilbert Awards 6-Year Scrapbook

2011 Winner, Diverse/Multicultural Communities: African

American Alzheimer’s & Wellness Association - Columbus, OH

The African American Alzheimer’s and Wellness Association (AAAWA) was established in 2005 as a result

of the growing number or Alzheimer’s disease diagnoses in this population. The organization provides

caregiver support groups, memory and depression screenings, and educational workshops. The AAAWA
also conducts annual fundraisers, from awareness walks to formal banquets, to raise the necessary capital

to make these services available to vulnerable communities of African descent.

Website: www.africanamericanalz.org

Program:

African Descent/Somali

Family Caregivers Bridge

Program

The Bridge Program provides families
of African descent with Alzheimer’s

disease caregiver resources. Many of

the caregivers suffer from post-

traumatic stress from experiencing wars

and violence in their home countries
which include Somalia, Ethiopia and

Ghana. By providing respite, transla-

tion, support groups, memory screen-

ings, linkages to legal resources, family

consultations and other services, the

Bridge Program has assisted many
families in caring for their family mem-

bers with Alzheimer’s disease. The

Bridge Program provides a doorway for

caregivers to find culturally appropriate

relief and support.

“With this award, many caregivers have been able to experience a better quality of life through our new

Senior Arts Program-”Kustaafu” for irst stage dementia. This program allows the caregiver to have a

break 4 hours a day ive days a week thus improving the quality of life for both!”- Kim Lawson, CEO

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