CAC's community outreach efforts
CAC is committed to being a good community partner – not only to the UIndy community, but also to Indianapolis and surrounding communities. We do that through efforts such as Memory Cafes, the UIndy Caregiver Resource Group, and through requested presentations such as Dementia Friends Indiana. If you are interested in any of our community outreach programs, please contact Becky Fee, CAC Project Coordinator, at feer@uindy.edu or any of the contacts provided in the descriptions below.
community outreach
CAC has worked with Dementia Friends Indiana for several years, allowing staff the time to train as Dementia Champions who go out into the community to provide free one-hour education sessions intended to break down the stigma surrounding dementia. Visit the Dementia Friends Indiana website to learn more.
A Memory Cafe is a safe, welcoming, non-judgemental environment where people living with dementia and their caregivers can connect with each other and with others living in similar circumstances. These free events are designed so people living with dementia and their caregivers can be involved in their communities without the stigma typically associated with dementia. CAC has partnered with local organizations, such as Books & Brews South Indy, and various university departments and organizations to bring Memory Cafes to the UIndy campus several times each year. For more information about Memory Cafes at UIndy, contact Becky Fee at feer@uindy.edu.
The UIndy Caregiver Resource Group (CRG) meets monthly to provide resources and support to members of the UIndy community who find themselves in a caregiving role for an adult loved one. The goal of each meeting is to provide caregivers with resources that will either help them be a more effective caregiver or will help them take care of themselves while in that caregiving role.
In collaboration with WFYI Productions and the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, CAC participated in the making of this 30-minute documentary. "Fleeced" presents stories about financial abuse among older adults and revelations about how older people are becoming advocates to change the landscape of economic security for Older Americans.
CAC and WFYI-TV partnered to produce a video and companion discussion guide on the roles of preparation, place, purpose, and perception in aging.