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We need your help to make a difference in the lives of your members.

People facing Alzheimer’s and dementia often turn to their faith communities for emotional and spiritual support. People who have Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia, especially those raised in religious households, are uplifted by worship services and visits. They often have the desire to continue to partake in church activities.

Family members also have spiritual needs. Caring for a loved one can last for years, leaving the caregiver weary, isolated, frustrated, and depressed. At the same time, they may grieve the many losses of this journey. The Alzheimer’s Association recognizes the importance of spirituality and has developed programs to partner with congregations providing education and support to their members.

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The Alzheimer’s Association partners with faith-based organizations and communities to help provide resources and education, and raise awareness of the disease. We do this through collaborative action plans which are organized by the faith organization’s leadership and our Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter team. If you are interested in partnering with us, please reach out to Amelia Garza at amgarza@alz.org.

Purple Sunday

Purple Sunday is a community event to promote awareness of Alzheimer’s disease in communities through houses of worship.
 
By hosting a Purple Sunday event, churches can help their congregations learn more about the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia, risk factors, warning signs, the importance of an early diagnosis, the diagnostic process, and helpful programs offered by the Alzheimer’s Association. Each faith-based group hosts Purple Sunday in different ways including: 

  • Providing materials on a table
  • Devoting one sermon or bible study to issues surrounding faith, aging, and dementia
  • Asking members to wear purple during a Sunday service or faith event
  • Praying with a purpose circle for those affected by Alzheimer's and dementia
  • Hosting an Alzheimer's Association education class or awareness presentation

If you live or worship in Illinois and are interested in hosting a Purple Sunday at your house of worship, contact the Alzheimer’s Association’s Illinois Chapter at 800.272.3900 or pbennett@alz.org for more information.
 
Special thanks to the participating faith communities for helping raise awareness within their communities!

Serving the Community

Millions of Americans are impacted by Alzheimer’s disease, but you can do something to help by becoming an Alzheimer’s Association volunteer. Our ability to reach and support those affected depends on people like you who are dedicated to the fight against this disease.
 
The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter partners with houses of worship to provide meaningful volunteer opportunities for their patrons. The opportunities include Community Educator, Support Group Facilitator, and Community Representative which are detailed below.

Alzheimer's Association Community Educators are volunteer public speakers who provide Alzheimer's Association education programs to community audiences. Community Educators:

  • Deliver approximately 6-12 presentations (in person or virtually) annually using prepared Alzheimer’s Association education programs on a variety of care and support topics
  • Serve as a presenter for chapter education programs and conferences on behalf of their house of worship
  • Connect people with additional Association services and volunteer opportunities by proactively making referrals to Alzheimer's Association programs & free 24/7 Helpline
Support Group Facilitators create a safe, open environment where people share their feelings, thoughts, and experiences in a combined effort to better cope with and manage the shared problems of dementia. Support Group Facilitators:
 
  • Facilitate groups of caregivers or people living with dementia to provide social and educational support helping group members provide emotional support to one another
  • Present pertinent Association materials and information to group members and assure a positive experience for attendees.
  • Connect people with additional Association services and volunteer opportunities by proactively making referrals to Alzheimer's Association programs & free 24/7 Helpline.
Alzheimer's Association Community Representatives are community engagers that raise awareness of Alzheimer's Association programs, provide basic disease information, and link consumers to Alzheimer’s Association services. Community Representatives:
  • Represent the Alzheimer's Association at a target of community events/year (in person or virtually) in neighborhoods, rural counties, business and civic organizations, or faith communities
  • Offer 5-20-minute Introduction to Alzheimer’s presentations for community organizations, congregations, civic organizations, sororities/fraternities, clubs, and other locations

If you or your house of worship are interested in learning more about our volunteer opportunities, visit our volunteer page or connect with Amelia Garza at amgarza@alz.org.

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