"Come As You Are" Memory Cafe

Entertainment, Relaxation, Socialization

Memory Cafés are a comfortable, social gathering in dementia friendly venues that allow people experiencing memory loss and a loved one to connect, socialize, and build new support networks. Cafés are free to attend and welcome to all. ​​

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Upcoming CAYA Cafes:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Wednesday, April 15th

• Music from Matt Allen

• Ann Arbor Kiwanis are bringing us some work! Help to complete jobs for the Kiwanis Thrift Sale at the Cafe.

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Tuesday, April 28th

• Music from Mary and the Huz-band

• Instrument "Petting Zoo" with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra

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​Please note: EVERYONE is welcome at our Memory Cafes. People of all ages, cultural backgrounds, and members of the LGBTQ+ community are encouraged to attend. Each of our host churches are welcoming and inclusive to all. Though we are hosted by faith-based organizations, our events themselves are secular.​​

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What a Memory Cafe is:

• A meeting place for individuals living with changes in their thinking or memory.  

• A diagnosis of dementia is not required to attend. It’s a free of charge place to relax, have fun, and meet others. 

• A meeting place for care partners to enjoy a change of routine, and experience respite & renewal in their relationships. 

• Structured to support and engage individuals with a range of cognitive changes, and their care partners.

• A time to focus on socializing and exploring TOGETHER. 

• A program that strives for inclusion. This includes physical accessibility, respect for and inclusiveness of different cultures, and freedom from stigma.

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What a Memory Cafe is NOT:

• NOT a workshop, seminar or lecture about dementia.

• NOT a facilitated support group. (Although the Café is a supportive environment.) 

• NOT a drop-off respite program. (It’s a place for partners to interact with each other in new ways.)

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We are always looking for new ideas for our Memory Cafes. If you have an idea for an activity or if you are or know someone who is an entertainer (singer/musician, magician, storyteller, etc.) please reach out to Lori Venable (lori.dfservices@gmail.com).

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DFS' Memory Cafe Journey

Dementia Friendly Services, in association with Holy Faith Church, began our "Come As You Are" Memory Cafe in 2020. When our group grew so large that we required more meeting space, we moved to the First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor. In 2026, DFS, in partnership with Meet Me With Art, was awarded a generous grant by CultureSource to start a new Cafe. The Meet Me with the Arts Cafe will focus on arts and cultural experiences and is located at the Ann Arbor Community Church.  We are very proud to now offer two to four Cafe meetings each month to our community.​

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Find a Cafe Near You

Memory Cafes are not unique to Dementia Friendly Saline. They can be found all across the country. To find one local to you, click here​.