Pour Some Love into Conni's Memory Café

Bring Joy and Connection to Families Living with Dementia

The Monroe County Dementia Coalition of Pennsylvania is dedicated to building a compassionate, informed community for individuals living with dementia and the families who care for them. One of our most meaningful initiatives is Conni’s Café, a welcoming gathering space where people living with dementia and their care partners come together for connection, support, and joy.

About Conni’s Café

Conni’s Café began in September 2025 and meets monthly on the third Thursday. In just six months, the café has grown into a vibrant and supportive gathering for families across our community:

• First gathering in September 2025 welcomed 24 guests.
• By February, attendance had grown to 42 participants.
• The café is supported by 7 dedicated volunteers.
• Additional community members regularly contribute baked goods and other refreshments.

Conni’s Café was created to combat the isolation that often accompanies dementia. Through these gatherings, participants share conversation, music, laughter, and creative activities in a safe and supportive environment.

Our café welcomes people of all ages and abilities. Among those who gather with us are:

• A World War II veteran supported by his daughter and other family members.
• A participant who is deaf
• Two individuals who attend in wheelchairs.
• Another who rarely speaks, but softly joins in when familiar songs from years past are sung.

These moments may seem simple, but they are profoundly meaningful. They restore dignity, foster friendships, and remind families that they are not walking this journey alone.

A Story of Community Impact – Hike for Betty

The impact of Conni’s Café is also reflected in the dedication of the families we serve. One coalition member, whose mother, Betty, was living with Alzheimer’s disease, recently turned a personal journey into a meaningful act of support. While hiking in Scotland, she created a GoFundMe campaign called “Hike for Betty,” sharing photos and reflections from the trail while raising awareness about dementia and the importance of dementia-friendly spaces.

The campaign resonated with supporters, and all proceeds were donated to Conni’s Café. These funds help sustain our monthly gatherings and support the Monroe County Dementia Coalition’s efforts to expand dementia-friendly cafés, so more families across Monroe County can find connections, understanding, and community.

How Your Support Helps

Your contribution will help Conni’s Café continue to grow and thrive as a safe, welcoming place for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. Every donation supports:

• Monthly café gatherings
• Music, activities, and creative programs
• Refreshments and supplies for participants
• Expansion of dementia-friendly cafés across Monroe County

With your support, Conni’s Café will remain a place where families feel seen, supported, and connected, and where our community grows stronger through compassion and shared humanity.