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.
Memory Matters started in a spare bedroom in 1994. Support and education for family members and caregivers of people with memory problems were simply ideas in the minds of Judy Hardek, Dale Tushman and the late Louise Rodormer. The were soon joined by Darlene Wymes and Sharron Olson and the five, all of whom had experience in treating patients and helping their families, set about building an organization that would serve this unfilled need in the community.
Their first decision was that the organization would be independent of national ties so that all donations would be used to benefit the local community. The second decision was that the primary goals would be education and support. They would teach anyone about dementia, coping strategies, medication, the need for support for caregivers, and other community resources. They did not know how they would accomplish any of this but declared they would "leap whatever tall buildings got in our way as we worked towards these goals".
The following year they incorporated and eventually found a permanent home for the organization. Over the next three decades many other talented and resourceful people have joined in picking up the reins and moving forward. Their successes have always been because of a very close knit team effort, an effort that has significantly contributed to making Glynn County a better place in which to live.
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
Hilary Kent
Yolanda Neely
Brooke Baskin
Greg Wellstead
Laura Martella
Charlene James
Annsley Felton
Jessica Tanner
Julie Tharpe, Executive Director
Jordan Andrew, Activities Director