A grant to a local dementia care nonprofit will fund a new multiservice support center in Bellingham’s Bellis Fair Mall
Dementia Support Northwest (DSNW) was recently awarded a $240,000 grant from the Alzheimer’s Association Center for Dementia Respite Innovation. Out of nearly 200 applications nationwide, Dementia Support Northwest is one of only 21 recipients chosen to receive grant funding.
“Dementia Support Northwest is excited to be included in this elite group of community-based service providers,” said executive director Judy Davis. The grant will fund the opening of a much-needed community support center in Bellingham’s Bellis Fair Mall for people and families navigating Alzheimer’s and dementia-related illnesses, Davis said.
Grassroots start guides holistic approach
Over 40 years ago, DSNW began its mission to provide care for people with dementia and for friends and families who experience changes alongside them. DSNW started around a dining room table with just a few volunteers and continues to be guided by its grassroots beginnings.
“This support stems from personal experience, which creates a profound connection between the caregiver and those who have navigated this journey, fostering a level of understanding that is truly unparalleled,” says Davis. Now that DSNW has been awarded this grant, its growth means more support for the entire community, including family caregivers.
Often the caregivers of those with dementia-related illnesses are family members and friends 65 years of age and over. These people may be challenged with their own physical health, busy schedules and a lack of community education on how to navigate the changes. In Washington state alone, 247,000 caregivers are family members of those diagnosed, according to a 2024 study done by the Alzheimer’s Association. Among those family members and friends, 61.1% deal with chronic health issues, and 39.0% with depression. The new community center will assist those in our area who need support in navigating the illness as a caregiver while juggling the challenges of life and aging. [Also read “Hidden heroes: when family members serve as caregivers,” Salish Current, Oct. 23, 2023.]
The Good Times Club and respite
Eva Schulte’s mother has been going to one of DSNW’s respite programs called the Good Times Club. Schulte and other caregivers drop off their family members with staff such as day program coordinator Heather McCracken or program assistant Shawn Monninger for a day of respite that includes creative activities, cognitive games, light physical activity and performances by local musicians and other entertainers.
“There are many things my mom cannot remember, but she does remember how she loves Heather and Shawn… It has been wonderful [and important] to see her engaged,” Schulte wrote. “My wish is that the model you’re implementing would become widespread because the benefits are truly amazing.”
The Good Times Club operates four days a week, Monday through Thursday, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Right now this respite program is located at Christ The King Community Church in Bellingham, but soon, with the help of this new grant, it can happen at the new DSNW headquarters.
Anticipated December opening at Bellis Fair
With this newfound financial support, DSNW hopes to open its new location in the Bellis Fair Mall close to December. Free drop-in, short-term respite care, a social hub, an intergenerational resource corner, a lending library, meeting spaces for existing support groups and educational courses are all anticipated at the new location.
Volunteers and staff will have a DSNW headquarters, individual offices for consultations, Northwest Regional Council rotating shifts, and the ability to facilitate more volunteer and community service opportunities. DSNW is the only dementia support service in Bellingham. The importance it has to those affected is enormous. Families such as the Schultes anticipate this new location will be a great service to those looking for respite and community.
— By Mickey Mann