Memory Cafe
Offering joy, support and connection to those living in the world of memory loss.
A Welcoming Space for Connection and Support
Our Memory Café offers joy, support, and connection to those with memory challenges, their care partners, and loved ones in a warm and welcoming environment. It’s a place where individuals with memory loss and their care partners can laugh, learn, and stay socially engaged with others who share similar experiences, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Caregiver support to lessen isolation and provide a sense of connectedness is at the heart of our mission, ensuring that no one feels alone on this journey.
Dates
4th Thursdays of the Month
TIME
1-1:20pm | Memory Motion with Amanda
1:25-2pm | Learning Lounge & Activity Hour
2-3pm | Social Spot & Refreshments
LOCATION
Crosspoint Alliance Church – 600 NE 8th St, Perham
Memory Café Brings People Together
Join us monthly for engaging topics and activities—sign up today!
April 23 - Daily Support Services
As memory loss progresses, many individuals benefit from daily support that helps them stay safe, active, and connected. Perham Living will share how Home Health and Adult Day Services provide care at home and engaging daytime support. Presented by Perham Living’s David Lilja and April Greisen Agather.
May 28 - Care Partner Burnout
Caring for someone you love is meaningful work, but it also requires support and care for yourself along the way. In this session, our presenters will share encouragement and practical perspective on how care partners can continue to care for themselves and stay connected to the parts of life that bring them joy. Presented by Daniele Denny from Nourish & Flourish Wellness and Pam Tyler, RN.
June 25 - Breaking the News
The diagnosis has been confirmed, now, how do you tell loved ones of all ages? What’s appropriate? Come to learn some tips on how to make the conversations a little easier and understandable, for friends, and family of all ages, including children. Presented by Deb Kaul from Memory Cafe of the Red River Valley.
July 23 - Tools to Support Communication
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) help individuals maintain communication and swallowing abilities through personalized care strategies. In this session, we’ll cover practical tools that support everyday communication and explain how SLPs evaluate and manage swallowing changes, with time for questions and real-world insight. Presented by Nancy Thul, MS, CCC-SLP from Alexandria Technical College.
August 27 - Summer Beach Party
Let’s celebrate the summer! Join us for a beach-themed party with games, snacks, and a musical sing along with the talented Leslie Baumann. Wear your best Hawaiian shirt or beach accessories, and let’s enjoy the oldies that we know and love.
September 24 - Grieving the Changes
When a loved one is living with dementia, families often experience ambiguous loss—a type of grief that occurs when someone is physically present but gradually changing in ways that can feel like losing them bit by bit. This session will explore how ambiguous grief affects individuals and families emotionally, relationally, and in their sense of identity as roles shift over time. Presented by Wendy Tabor-Buth, LBSW from Vivie.
Memory Cafe Proudly Sponsored By:
The Terry Karkela Family
Memory Café Newsletters
Stay connected with uplifting stories, helpful tips, and upcoming events for individuals with memory loss and their care partners.
2026 Newsletters
2025 Newsletters
Have questions about Memory Cafe?
Here are some FAQs with details on what to expect and how to get involved!
Do participants need to acknowledge that they have dementia?
No. They will not be asked if they have a diagnosis. The environment is geared to the comfort and success of people with a wide range of cognitive capacities. The focus is socializing and creative exploration, activities common to all of us.
What disease stage is the Elevate Memory Cafe geared to?
The Elevate Memory Cafe is appropriate for anyone who can negotiate the physical space (which is fully wheelchair accessible) and enjoy being in a group of people. A care partner should stay with anyone who needs assistance with ambulation, medications and/or using the restroom. Staff and volunteers will NOT be able to help with these personal care needs.
Is the Elevate Memory Cafe for care partners, too?
Yes! Participants in Memory Cafes around the country often say that their favorite moments come when the person with dementia is enlivened by social interaction or arts activities, creating a sense of reconnection and closeness. Also, Memory Cafés give care partners a chance to meet and socialize with other care partners.
We do require care partners to stay with their loved ones during the entire session. Memory Cafe is not an alternative for respite care or Adult Day Services.
Could I bring a group of people from a day program or residential facility to participate?
Space is limited but we welcome everyone. Care partners are required to stay with the group and remain within the staffing and safety compliance of your normal programming. The Memory Cafe is staffed solely by volunteers. Please contact Katie at katie.murdock@perhamhealth.org or 218-347-1974 to discuss bringing a group.
What takes place during the Elevate Memory Cafe?
Monthly programming will be a mix of educational opportunities, social activities, and other engaging content such as introduction to arts, music and more.