BFAIR to Host Memory Cafe
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — BFAIR (Berkshire Family & Individual Resources) has been awarded a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Disabilities to host a Memory Cafe.
The Berkshire Memory Cafe, the only of its kind in Western Massachusetts to receive funding, offers a casual, cafe-like setting for people living with memory issues and their caregivers, designed to spend less time on focusing on the memory issues and more time socializing.
Memory cafes are becoming more common throughout the United States.
“People living with memory issues, whether a result of Alzheimer’s Disease or generalized dementia, need an outlet to just enjoy a few hours without constantly being reminded of the memory impairments,” said Ethel Altiery, associate executive director at BFAIR. “The Berkshire Memory Cafe will be a place for people in the Berkshires and beyond to enjoy a few hours of relaxation and structured recreation.”
The cafe will offer coffee, tea and refreshments, along with an activity and support.
The first Berkshire Memory Café will be held on Thursday, June 16, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the St. Joseph Parish Center, 414 North St. Parking is available behind the church on North Pearl Street and the entrance is there as well.
BFAIR supports people living in the Berkshires with developmental disabilities, autism, acquired brain injury and elders in the home. A not-for-profit organization, BFAIR is dedicated to providing services that inspire the abilities of all, including habilitative, residential, counseling and employment services.
For more information about the Berkshire Memory Cafe, contact Altiery at 413-664-9382, ext. 28, or visit www.bfair.org.
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