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ISH Announces 2024 Innovative Grant Winners

I'm Still Here Staff

Updated: Jan 17


I’m Still Here (ISH) is proud to recognize innovative organizations across the country for their groundbreaking programs that are redefining dementia care.


These initiatives, which range from adaptive rock climbing in Maine to intergenerational music programs in New Orleans, embody creativity, compassion, and a commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals living with dementia and their care partners. Each of these programs represents a pioneering approach to fostering connection, resilience, and joy in communities nationwide.


The 2024 ISH Program Winners:


  • Rock-Climbing with Dementia

    Southern Maine Agency on Aging – Biddeford, Maine

    Southern Maine Agency on Aging is pioneering an adaptive rock-climbing program for culturally and economically diverse older adults living with dementia and their care partners. This program promotes health, resilience, and joy while fostering meaningful respite and support for caregivers in an inclusive environment.


  • Dementia Friendly Community Ambassadors

  • Bernardston Senior Center – Bernardston, Massachusetts

    This program builds dementia-friendly communities by training Ambassadors who educate local businesses and stakeholders, fostering inclusive practices, communication strategies, and welcoming environments for those living with dementia and their care partners.


  • Healing the Generations with Music

    Poydras Home and The Children’s Hospital of New Orleans – New Orleans, Louisiana

    By bringing together older adults with dementia and adolescent patients, this program uses music as a tool for connection and healing. Activities include songwriting, drum circles, and musical play, meeting the emotional and cognitive needs of both groups.


  • Meet Me: Community Outings

    Insight Memory Care Center – Fairfax, Virginia

    Insight Memory Care Center offers brain-supportive outings for individuals with early-stage dementia or mild cognitive impairment. These outings focus on social connection, physical activity, and wellness, reducing stigma and isolation while providing meaningful support to families.


  • The How You Are to Me Children’s Book

    Electronic Bass Entertainment Inc. – New York, New York

    This innovative children’s book provides tools for communicating with individuals living with dementia, combining storytelling, impactful illustrations, and non-pharmacological techniques to promote understanding and connection across generations.


  • Women Writers Empowerment Program

    The International Women’s Writing Guild at Roger Williams University – Bristol, Rhode Island

    This program empowers women writers with dementia to share their stories and engage in a supportive writing community. Participants attend tailored workshops at the Guild’s conference, fostering creativity and connection.


  • Trauma-Informed Therapies2Life Communities Inc. – Boston, MassachusettsThis program integrates trauma-informed expressive therapies, including elements of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), to help individuals living with dementia manage trauma and enhance self-expression and engagement.


These programs exemplify ISH’s mission to support innovative solutions that improve the lives of those affected by dementia. Together, they showcase the potential of creativity, inclusivity, and compassion to make a profound impact on individuals, families, and communities. Click here to learn more about this program.

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