Thanks living

Hi gentle reader. Next week we will be celebrating Thanksgiving. when you think about it, every day is a day of thanks living. Let me tell you one thing that I give thanks for every day. And that's a place called the ARK here in Summerville. it's not very big but it is been serving families with Alzheimer's disease since 1996. It has been providing hope and relief to families and encourage looking towards the future. The ARK, gentle reader. The ARK provides a comprehensive support system with families dealing with Alzheimer's disease and other memory disorders. that we give you a couple reasons why I'm thankful for the ARK.

First, there is the adult respite care program. Programs are offered in Summerville Monday through Thursday to give family caregivers and needed break from the stress of around-the-clock care giving. Respite programs keep loved ones with memory problems connected to the community through fellowship and fun.

And then we have the support groups. These directed self-help groups operate in a therapeutic environment helping caregivers learn coping skills through sharing with each other.

But that's not all that's offered. There is  caregiver consultation here and the ARK staff partners with families to set clear priorities, share caregiving techniques, and connect with resources to allow the person with memory problems to live a quality life at home as independently as possible.

Since many caregivers face juggling family responsibilities with work, though our partners with area businesses and industries to assist employees who also serve as caregivers and in-service training is also available.

Then there's the Noah project. the ARK mentors underserved rural and urban areas in developing Alzheimer's support services. These services are tailored to meet the unique needs of communities in Dorchester, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton and Orangeburg counties. the Ark's neighborhood outreach Alzheimer's help (NOAH) Project provides grants writing assistance, staff training, and technical expertise to encourage the growth of social  respite programs and/or other supportive services that reach people where they live.

Gentle reader I am so thankful that I can be a part of the ARK especially in their adult respite care. We have lots of fun and do all kinds of different things in our group Which help to keep our minds and body active.

If you're interested in further information contact Peg Lahmeyer, ARK Executive Director at (843)  832 – 2357 or by computer, info@TheARKof SC.org or http:// The ARK of SC .org. The Ark is located at 206 Central Ave. in downtown Summerville,SC 29483.

If any of this sounds interesting to you he might think of calling Peg and asking about opportunities to volunteer or  perhaps make the ARK of place for your donation in the coming new year.

Thank you and happy thankliving.