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M-Power U: A Learning Community For Early Memory Loss

Are you experiencing mild memory loss or other cognitive changes?

Take Charge of Your Brain Health and Preserve Your Well Being!

M-Power U is a social program to promote well-being and independence for people who are experiencing mild memory loss, mild cognitive impairment, or early stage dementia (no diagnosis required).

Using fun, stimulating and creative activities, MPU offers you the opportunity to:

  • Develop a supportive network with others experiencing similar changes
  • Learn strategies to strengthen or compensate for memory loss
  • Learn how to change your lifestyle to be more brain healthy
  • Learn healthy coping strategies
  • Become educated about other community resources
  • Receive educational and support services for your family members and care partners
  • Develop confidence and a sense of optimism about your future

Syracuse Jewish Family Service (SJFS) at Menorah Park's “M-Power U — A Learning Community for Early Memory Loss” is for individuals who are experiencing cognitive changes, such as mild memory loss, mild cognitive impairment or early stage dementia. Participants come for a 4-hour session each week and learn practical skills in a friendly and supportive setting. Central to the program is the introduction of memory enhancement activities, compensatory strategies for memory loss, peer support, exercise, and socialization. Each section is limited to 15 participants to foster camaraderie and quality programming. Although the program activities are specifically for persons with early memory loss, supportive services such as information and referral, case management, and counseling can also be provided to family members.

New in January 2020! M-Power U (MPU) Parkinson's joins 2 existing sections of MPU.

The Parkinson's Community will take place on Tuesdays from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. It aims to serve the needs of people affected by PD and empower them to take charge of their physical emotional and cognitive health to mitigate the impact of early cognitive changes and improve overall wellness.

The Brain Power Community highlights our holistic approach to memory care through memory and cognitive training, coping strategies, lifestyle skills, physical exercise, and educational presentations, as well as periodic excursions to cultural venues. This section started in 2017 and takes pace on Mondays from 9:30am - 1:30pm.

The Arts and Minds Community emphasizes creative self-expression, skill building, memory enhancement, emotional processing and communication through the arts. Participants engage in creative writing, painting, music, movement, and more, in a peer group setting with or without care partners. In the final hour, from 2:30-3:30 pm, care partners may e;lect to join us for the Arts & Minds Café with an expressive arts experience shared by all. (Fridays 11:30 am –3:30 pm)

Individuals who wish to participate or volunteer in our MPU can email Ellen Somers, SJFS Assistant Director at somerse@sjfs.org or call 315-446-9111, x 225, for further information.

Locations

The Brain Power Community and the Arts and Minds Community are provided at Menorah Park, 4101 East Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13214

The Parkinson's Community meets at the United Church of Christ in Bayberry/Liverpool.

Cost

MPU is the first program of its kind in Central New York. Seed funding was generously provided by from the Brookdale Foundation, which has promoted the creation of similar programs around the country to address the gap in services for persons with early memory loss. The Health Foundation for Western and Central New York has provided generous seed funding to launch the Parkinson's Community. Programs scholarships are funded by grants from the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA). The program is led by a team of professional staff and trained interns/volunteers.

Tuition varies by program, and discounts are offered for prepayment. Please inquire about scholarships made possible by our generous funders.

Transportation is available at an additional charge.

Mind Aerobics: Screening and Enrolling Now

Try Mind Aerobics, our fun, evidence-based, award winning suite of programs designed to provide older adults with comprehensive mental workouts that can help maintain or improve cognitive functioning or slow cognitive decline. These programs are developed to systematically stimulate six major cognitive areas of the brain, instead of focusing on only one or two cognitive skill areas like other programs.

Contact Ellen Somers, SJFS Assistant Director, to learn about enrolling. Mind Aerobics classes are organized by cognitive level and participants are grouped into classes based on their cognitive function. Each level has 24 1-hour sessions over 12 weeks taught by trained Mind Aerobics instructors.

Upcoming Events

Center for Healthy Living/OASIS classes

Enroll through Syracuse OASIS at www.upstate.oasisnet.org
o Sundays, 1/19; 2/16; 3/22; and 4/26, from 3pm - 5:30pm: “Views on Aging: Through the Movie Lens”, with SJFS Director Judith Huober, MS

o Wednesdays, 226-4/1, from 1:30pm - 3:00pm, “Zen and the Art of Graceful Aging” with Peg Miller, LMSW (at Fayetteville Library)

o Tuesday, 1/28 from 3:30pm - 4:30pm, “A Taste of Mind Aerobics” with Ellen Somers, LMHC (free)
o Tues-Thurs, 2/25-5/14, 3:30pm - 5:00pm, "Mind AerobicsTM: Mind Sharpener with Ellen Somers. Pre-screening required; contact Ellen at 315-446-9111, x225

Planning to Flourish: Lunchtime Conversations about Aging Well

Lunch & Learn with a SJFS Solutions Care Manager

March 3, 2019 , 11:30 am-1:00pm 

Bernat Special Events Rm , Le Moyne College—Noreen Reale Falcone Library

Open to All!