Dementia is not just an old person's illness. It effects the entire family. There are many illnesses under the umbrella of dementia including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Traumatic Brain Injury, Vascular Dementia, Mixed Dementia, Huntington's, Lewy Body and Frontotemporal Disorders. At Memory Matters we strive to help those dealing with all types of dementia. We also strive to help their families, caretakers and loved ones. Don't try to go through this alone.
Memory problems can be scary! Whether it is you, someone you know, or someone you love, it is hard to navigate what options there are and what steps to take. At Memory Matters we understand and our mission is to support you throughout your journey.
Memory Matters began in 1994 as Alzheimer's of Glynn/Brunswick. In 2016 we expanded our mission to include all forms of adult onset memory impairment and renamed the organization Memory Matters.
To support, educate and enrich the lives of people dealing with memory issues and the people who care for them.
Memory Matters started in a spare bedroom in 1993. 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 two 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.
John Hartland, President
Jamie Clayton, Vice President
Billy Copelan, Secretary
Hilary Kent
Yolanda Neely
Brooke Baskin
Greg Wellstead
Laura Martella
Jordan Tyre
Dale Tushman
Georgia Alzheimer's Foundation
Georgia Center for Nonprofits
Glynn County Parkinson's Group
Glynn Brunswick Chamber of Commerce
Julie Tharpe, Executive Director
Jordan Andrew, Activities Director