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About Dementia Support NW

Who We Are

Since 1983, the Alzheimer Society of Washington, now known as Dementia Support Northwest has served Whatcom County. We are an organization of volunteers, family and friends of persons affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses. Our mission is to educate people about dementia-related diseases.

Each year we provide hundreds of hours of education and support in Whatcom and Skagit County as follows: Support Groups for adults caring for those affected by dementia, Staying Connected Memory Support Groups for adults newly diagnosed or experiencing minimal memory loss; Adult Children Support Groups for those adults caring for a parent affected by dementia; and the Find Me Safe Network (a partnering with the Whatcom County Sheriff) providing electronic technology to locate those who wander.

As one spouse said at a Support Group:

“It is such an amazing feeling knowing that you guys are there for me. No matter what the situation, having this group is providing me with the tools and knowledge that I need in order to make it through the day. I love him so much, but this is probably the hardest thing I have had to deal with throughout our entire 47 years of marriage. Coming to this class is what he looks forward to the most, every single week.”

We rely on private donations to fulfill our mission. Please donate today to help us build a legacy of education, resources, and support for those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Let them understand that they are not alone in one of the most challenging of life’s journeys.

Our Mission

We exist to reach persons and families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases with support, knowledge and resources to empower them.

Our Vision

A community where Alzheimer’s and other dementias are understood and accepted. We desire to bring awareness to our society with an understanding of the overwhelming devastation caused by the dementias; and to bring about improvements in the social and health systems serving those affected by dementia-related diseases.

Our Values

We are a compassionate, responsive, and accepting organization committed to honesty, integrity, and professionalism in all we do.

Staff

Joann Clemo
Executive Director

Leslie Jackson, RN
Educational Coordinator

Board Members 2017-2018

George Ratayczak, Chair
Whatcom County Sheriff Deputy

Beverly Brownrigg, Vice Chair
Grocery Business, Retired

Amy Charlot, Secretary
Northwest Regional Council

Josselyn Winslow
Founder of ASW

Carolyn Lenington, Treasurer
Guardianship Services, Retired

Becky Bendixen
Tribal Outreach Coordinator, Northwest Regional Council

Anne Bowen
Financial Advisor, Edward Jones

Selena Vogel
Accounts Manager, Scratch and Peck Feeds

Sherri Cope
RN, Director of Nursing, Avamere St. Francis

JD Harrison
Administrator, Avamere Bellingham Healthcare

Glenda McLachlan
Adult Day Health RN, Retired
Executive Team/Strategic Planning Committee

Barry M. Meyers, CELA
Elder Law Offices of Barry M. Meyers, P.S.

JoAnne Wyatt
Realtor Broker, Windermere Real Estate

Peggy Zorro
Retired

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Contact Details

1301 Fraser St. Suite A-1 Bellingham, WA 98229

(360) 671-3316 – main

(360) 715-9940 – fax

alz@dementiasupportnw.org