Dementia is more than just an illness that affects the elderly—it's a condition that touches entire families. Under the umbrella of dementia are a variety of illnesses, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Traumatic Brain Injury, Vascular Dementia, Mixed Dementia, Huntington's, Lewy Body, and Frontotemporal Disorders. At Memory Matters Glynn, we are dedicated to helping those affected by all types of dementia.
Our mission is to support not only those living with dementia but also their families, caregivers, and loved ones. We offer a range of free services, thanks to the generous support of our local community. These include social activities, support groups, and therapy sessions designed to provide comfort, enrichment, and respite during challenging times.
Dementia impacts a significant portion of our community. One in three adults over the age of 65 will die with some form of dementia. In Glynn County, with a population of 85,079, 24% (or 17,016 people) are over the age of 65. This means as many as 5,105 individuals may be living with dementia, with at least an equal number of caregivers providing support. The need for accessible services is especially urgent among lower-income populations, and Memory Matters Glynn is proud to offer completely free support to meet this critical demand.
Join us in making a difference. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, your support helps ensure that no one in our community faces dementia alone.
Our Story: Rooted in Care, Growing with Purpose
It all began in 1994, when a dedicated group of local women founded Alzheimer’s of Glynn/Brunswick, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a heartfelt mission: to provide education and support for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones.
As the years passed, the need for broader support became clear. In 2016, our board made the pivotal decision to expand our mission beyond Alzheimer’s alone. With that, we became Memory Matters—a welcoming haven for individuals and families affected by all forms of memory loss, including Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s, Vascular Dementia, Traumatic Brain Injuries, and more.
While education and support have always been at the core of what we do, we soon realized that enrichment was the missing piece. Our calendar began to fill with meaningful, engaging activities—yoga sessions, art classes, theme parties and game days—that not only brought joy, but created community. From this, our guiding mantra was born: Support, Educate & Enrich.
Today, we are proud to call Brunswick, GA our home. Our center is designed to feel like a comforting visit with an old friend, offering a safe and welcoming environment for everyone who walks through our doors. While most of our programming happens here, we also bring our support groups to neighboring communities in Darien and St. Simons Island.
As a public charitable organization, we rely entirely on the generosity of donors and grant support to sustain our mission. Every contribution helps us continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by memory loss.
Our purpose is to make each day a little better for those dealing with dementia, ensuring they and their caregivers feel supported, valued, and cared for. . We are committed to improving their quality of life, offering a place of comfort and love during what can be an incredibly challenging time.
To support, educate and enrich the lives of people dealing with memory issues and the people who care for them.
John Hartland, President
Jamie Clayton, Vice President
Billy Copelan, Secretary
Yolanda Neely
Laura Martella
Charlene James
Annsley Felton
Jessica Tanner
Julie Tharpe, Executive Director
Jordan Andrew, Activities Director