Adapting with Purpose
“Our organization’s ability to meet challenges and, in many ways, thrive in 2020 was a monumental team effort.”
Dear friends and families of Amazing Place,
The phrase we all know so well – hindsight is 20/20 – now has new meaning. And while 2020 definitely took its toll, we are fortunate because the innovation, resilience, and gratitude shown by the entire Amazing Place family throughout the pandemic has better positioned us to address a growing population impacted by dementia.
Our organization’s ability to meet challenges and, in many ways, thrive in 2020 was a monumental team effort. We acted decisively because we knew, both individually and collectively, that failing to serve was not an option. In fact, we found inspiration and courage as we innovated to daily serve our Amazing Place family while planning for a long-term sustainable future.
Forced to temporarily close our on-site Day Program because of COVID-19, we quickly pivoted to virtual programming to keep those living with dementia engaged. We relentlessly explored options to make services accessible and pioneered new ways of connecting with those in our community. Guided by our faith, we adapted quickly and became increasingly resilient throughout the year as we learned new flexible ways of thinking, pressed ourselves to solve challenges in intentional ways, and adapted with purpose.
Our 25th anniversary in 2021 comes silver-lined with gratitude. We are thankful for our church partners who originally saw a need in our community, came together for a greater good, and continue to guide us. We are thankful for a talented, experienced, and loving staff who makes a difference in peoples’ lives every single day. To our volunteers, donors, and friends, we are in awe of your boundless support. While words alone can’t convey your importance to us, know that we could not do this work without you by our side.
And we are most grateful for those living with dementia, their families, and caregivers who let us into their lives and trust us beyond measure as we learn from, comfort, and celebrate each other throughout this journey with them.
2020, while unexpected and unnerving, has opened our eyes to new directions with respect to how we empower lives disrupted by dementia. We are all blessed to be part of this Amazing Place family.
With gratitude,
Tracey Brown
Executive Director
AMAZING PLACE 2020 ANNUAL REPORT: ADAPTING WITH PURPOSE
At the beginning of 2020, our signature Day Program was continuing its growth trajectory, both in terms of number of participants and our ability to provide quality, individualized care. In March, we suspended on-campus services to protect the health of our participants, staff, and volunteers. Maintaining a strong focus on our mission, we adapted quickly and developed new ways to offer our services through virtual outreach and connectivity.
VIRTUAL ACTIVITY PROGRAM
Our staff quickly developed a Virtual Activity Program designed to reduce the effects of social isolation while providing cognitive and physical stimulation for our participants. This online program was offered every weekday, featuring morning and afternoon sessions. Participants were encouraged to drop in virtually any time programs were offered and tutorials were hosted every month by our program experts to ensure every participant’s virtual experience was successful and enriching.
The success of the Virtual Activity Program has broadened Amazing Place’s ability to reach more people in the Houston area as well as across the country, making our support more accessible and convenient.
Jane McCord enjoying Amazing Place’s Virtual Activity Program.
A LIFELINE OF CONNECTION
Geriatric healthcare providers like Tziona Regev, LCSW know that those who are socially isolated have a much higher risk of developing dementia. So, the Senior Care Leader at Baylor Geriatrics was delighted to hear of the debut of Amazing Place’s Virtual Activity Program.
Tom Peery participating in a Virtual Activity Program exercise session.
“The ability to access evidence-based activities and participate wherever they were was a great asset to the community at large,” she says. From a healthcare professional’s perspective, this was a lifeline to those with dementia in a time when so many were homebound during the health lockdown.
The virtual programming was equally important to caregivers, according to Tziona. The sessions allowed participants guided instruction that gave caregivers a much needed break – an opportunity to rest, restore, and regenerate. Programs such as this, Tziona believes, help our resilience.
“I am amazed at the Amazing Place staff’s ability to re-create its Day Program experience and enhance it online.”
– Tziona Regev, LCSW
BRAIN-HEALTHY MEALS TO-GO
Worried that the nutritional needs of those we serve might suffer due to isolation during the campus closure, Culinary Services Director Michael Lieb implemented a Memory Preservation Nutrition® frozen meals to-go program. While addressing brain-healthy nutrition and convenience, this service also helped to bolster revenue, as many families from the community also placed orders.
Chef Michael Lieb preparing Memory Preservation Nutrition® frozen meals to-go.
“When the pandemic happened, we had the time and space needed to start a frozen food outreach program,” says Lieb. “The need for people to eat whole, real food with less sugar, fat, and carbohydrates and more anti-oxidants and vitamins was more important than ever. Those we serve appreciate the convenience with a minimum of hassle required.”
“I am knocked out by the quality, interesting, flavorful, filled-with-love meals Chef Michael creates…the culinary equivalent of the Amazing Place programming!”
– Cynthia Guill
COUNSELING SERVICES
The isolation caused by COVID-19 created additional tasks and extra demands on caregivers of those with dementia. Amazing Place stepped up its support to those in need in 2020 by initiating private, fee-based counseling to dementia caregivers in the community. Led by Arlene Schollaert, MSW, LCSW, an expert in geriatrics and dementia, caregivers were given tools and support needed to not only survive but thrive in especially difficult times.
AMAZING PLACE 2020 ANNUAL REPORT: ADAPTING WITH PURPOSE
Like the Day Program, the Amazing Place Connections Program harnessed the power of technology in 2020 to connect with caregivers, families, healthcare professionals, and the community at large. Embracing virtual modes of communication created new opportunities for engagement and provided convenient access to all the education and support programs Amazing Place has to offer.
SAVVY CAREGIVER
The Savvy Caregiver Program provided much needed support and education for family caregivers who were faced with unprecedented challenges during the pandemic. By offering the course virtually, Amazing Place was not only able to serve families within the Greater Houston Metro Area and beyond but also connect family members separated geographically.
Take, for example, Leib Kaminsky, whose mother has been diagnosed with dementia but still lives independently. While he lives in the D.C. area, his mom is in Bethesda, MD, and his two sisters, further away – one close to Baltimore and the other in Atlanta. All three Kaminsky children are involved in their mother’s care, speaking with each other frequently. These conversations became even more stressful as COVID forced changes in their mother’s routine.
Fortunately, a friend told them about Amazing Place’s virtual Savvy Caregiver Program, and now the family has access to tools that inform their conversations about how best to help their mom.
Caregiver Education Manager, Sharon Cantrell, MS, facilitating a virtual Savvy Caregiver Program.
“We are so grateful to have a roadmap. We now have reference information to understand the world of dementia, resources and options to help us make decisions together,” Kaminsky says. “Plus, we have a support group of people we’ve met in the course who are going through similar situations. It’s comforting to have a peer group – we feel less alone.”
TRAINING FOR HOME HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS
Realizing that home health aides needed additional knowledge and skills to effectively care for individuals with dementia, our Clinical Training manager, Mehrnaz Gill, MSG, initiated a new virtual training in 2020 to help address the most common challenges that arise with dementia care: managing communication and behavior issues.
Clinical Training Manager, Mehrnaz Gill, MSG.
Mehrnaz, who joined Amazing Place in September, hit the ground running by developing the 90-minute curriculum. In addition to her professional expertise, she admits that much of what is included in the course is based on personal experience from taking care of her own mother for five years.
In addition to facilitating the training, Mehrnaz is grateful for what she’s learning from those who are directly involved in dementia care. “We are all both teachers and students in this journey and we are collectively better for it.”
“I truly believe we are making a difference in the quality of dementia care being provided in the home by healthcare aides.”
– Mehrnaz Gill, MSG
FAITH CARE CONNECTION
Our Faith Care Connection (FCC) team continued to work closely with Houston area churches to provide support and resources to individuals living alone and at risk for dementia. Adhering to strict health guidelines, the FCC team returned to conducting in-home visits when needed on June 1st.
The team also helped its church partners’ pastoral care ministers become more “tightly knitted” by regularly bringing them together virtually. According to Greg Funderburk, Minister for Pastoral Care at South Main Baptist Church, “At least once a month, we would get online as a group to check-in with each other and learn pandemic best practices from each other. Thanks to Amazing Place, we are stronger together in serving our congregants touched by dementia.”
BRAIN HEALTH MATTERS
Throughout the pandemic, Amazing Place provided free virtual presentations about brain-healthy lifestyles, caregiving, and dementia. Our own Chef Michael even participated in several popular Memory Preservation Nutrition® cooking demonstrations and shared his secrets when it comes to preparing delicious, brain-healthy food.
AMAZING PLACE 2020 ANNUAL REPORT: ADAPTING WITH PURPOSE
Laura and Bob Higley.
The first thing you notice about Laura and Bob Higley is how much they care for each other. It’s in the loving glances, the laughter that comes with telling much loved tales, and the graciousness in how they respond to each other’s questions. Even the mementos and pictures in the living room of their beautiful long-time home show the care and thoughtfulness that goes into their everyday routine. It is clear that the Higleys are in this journey of life together and they intend to make the most of whatever comes, including Laura’s 2019 diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.
This very active couple has a long history of public service. They met during a legislative session in Austin while both were students at The University of Texas. After receiving graduate degrees, they moved to West University Place almost 50 years ago where they have faithfully served God, family, and community.
Laura was elected Mayor Pro-Tem for the City from 1985-1987 and as its Mayor from 1989-1991 before getting her law degree from The University of Houston. After 13 years as a lawyer with Baker Botts, Laura served as a Justice on Texas’ First Court of Appeals for 18 years until her retirement. Bob, a financial advisor for Wells Fargo, has been an active public servant as well, most recently completing a term as the Mayor of West University. Prior to that, Bob served one two-year term on City Council.
“Starting out, we had very little and worked very hard,” says Bob. “Laura went to work initially so we could have a washer and dryer before our first child was born.” The Higleys are members of First Presbyterian Church and have two sons, Garrett and Carter, neither of whom live in Houston. They have a second home in Jackson, Wyoming and try to spend as much time as possible there, especially in the summer, connecting with family.
When Laura began having vague memory issues, the Higleys went to see a neuropsychologist. Bob also connected with friends who had been in similar situations, one of whom told him about Amazing Place.
“I remember visiting and thinking how professional they are,” Bob recalls. “I liked that they were seriously focused on those with mild to moderate dementia and very specific on protocols they follow. I was truly thankful that Laura qualified to be part of the Day Program.”
Laura, too, was pleased to join in on the activities. “I liked it all,” she says, noting that the “food is particularly wonderful.”
Then COVID-19 hit along with isolation. Disappointed that the Day Program was suspended, they understood the reality of the situation. So, when Amazing Place announced its Virtual Activity Program, the Higleys quickly signed up.
Laura participating in the Amazing Place Virtual Activity Program alongside Bob’s sister, Barby.
They discovered it was a blessing to have online companionship. Initially, Bob’s sister Barby would come over as a companion to Laura and the two logged onto the Amazing Place Zoom sessions, enjoying the exercises, games, and singing along with fellow participants.
“Being a caregiver is hard. You can never relax. And while Laura never complains, it was nice to know that she was engaged while I worked in the next room,” according to Bob. “Amazing Place participants seem to be classic achievers. They are all up for something that improves their performance. Laura is no exception.”
When asked about how this remarkable couple stays so positive, both Higleys agree that “you take every lick off the candy stick.” By that Bob explains that just because someone can’t remember what they had for lunch doesn’t mean they’re still not capable in other ways. You need to appreciate what those with dementia can still do well and not systematically underappreciate them.
“Amazing Place can help you understand the language of dementia and how to continue caring for each other for as long as possible.”
As for advice the two would offer to others? The Higleys say they’ve found it’s best to let go and give the process to God.
“Dementia is too idiosyncratic to stigmatize all that are affected. Whatever stage of dementia a person is in, don’t pre-judge them for what they can’t do, focus on what they still offer. You are going to laugh at what you have been missing out on, I promise,” Bob says. Knowing how important support is, they also advise checking out Amazing Place.
“Amazing Place broadens the life of all who are in the process. Go see it. Talk to the experts. Let them tell you about their programs and what options might be possible. Amazing Place can help you understand the language of dementia and how to continue caring for each other for as long as possible.”
The Higleys are proof that, for some, Amazing Place is a gateway to another stage of love and life.
AMAZING PLACE 2020 ANNUAL REPORT: ADAPTING WITH PURPOSE
4,637 TOTAL PEOPLE SERVED IN 2020
1,604 PEOPLE SERVED IN THE DAY PROGRAM
| IN-PERSON | VIRTUAL | |
| 118 | 136 | Day Program Participants |
| 354 | 408 | Day Program Caregivers |
| 21 | 371 | Counseling/Consultations/Referrals |
| 13 | 1 | Assessed Non-Enrolling Participants |
| 39 | 3 | Assessed Non-Enrolling Caregivers |
| 3 | — | In-Home Health Services |
| 137 | — | MPN® Meal Customers |
3,033 PEOPLE SERVED IN THE CONNECTIONS PROGRAM
| IN-PERSON | VIRTUAL | |
| 28 | — | Powerful Tools for Caregivers |
| — | 24 | Stress-Busting Program |
| 411 | 301 | Savvy Caregiver |
| — | 36 | Savvy Connect and Refresh |
| — | 40 | Savvy Advanced |
| 22 | 91 | Memory Training |
| — | 10 | Memory Boosters |
| 242 | 821 | Educational Presentations |
| 16 | 341 | Clinical Rotations/Professional Ed |
| 14 | 11 | Memory Café |
| 16 | 77 | Caregiver Support Group |
| 40 | 207 | Faith Care Connection |
| — | 285 | Consultations/Referrals |
AMAZING PLACE 2020 ANNUAL REPORT: ADAPTING WITH PURPOSE
The financial contributions that came throughout 2020 from our supporters were tremendous. The Amazing Together Campaign efforts from the prior years resulted in some sizable campaign donations in 2020, accounting for 41% of total revenues. All of this generosity allowed Amazing Place to show positive results for the year. The cash position of the organization is strong as of the end of the year with $1,031,000 in operating cash and $2,130,000 in restricted and designated cash, primarily for the Amazing Together Campaign.
2020 REVENUE – $4,701,000
2020 EXPENSES – $2,950,000
AMAZING PLACE 2020 ANNUAL REPORT: ADAPTING WITH PURPOSE
Rendering of Amazing Place West.
WESTWARD EXPANSION
Almost two years ago, Amazing Place purchased property in West Houston to accommodate the increasing number of dementia diagnoses in our community with an additional facility that mirrors the services provided at its Main Campus at 3735 Drexel Drive. Those building plans for a Katy campus and a capital campaign were largely put on hold in 2020 but as the organization celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, this expansion remains a priority.
Amazing Place is actively raising funds for the Amazing Together Campaign so more people than ever will benefit from its Day Program and Connections Program, including family caregiver and healthcare provider support, and community education initiatives. The goal to open the facility on Britannia Drive near Fry Road and I-10 is ultimately dependent on the pace and magnitude of gifts received for the Campaign. In the interim, while the Campaign is in progress, Amazing Place is still officing at the Hub on 1st in Old Katy and will continue to deliver programs virtually and in-person in the Katy/West Houston area including Savvy Caregiver, Memory Training, Support Groups, and Counseling Services.
“I am thrilled about the expansion of Amazing Place into the Katy/West Houston area. Amazing Place will truly be an invaluable treasure, bringing extraordinary resources, enrichment, and respite for our community.”
– Tara Wilson
20 YEARS OF SERVICE
We began 2020 by celebrating David Mendoza, Participant Program Leader and Facility Assistant, for his 20 years of service to Amazing Place. Every morning, David arrives at Amazing Place around 6:30 and begins his day in our chapel, praying for all of our participants, staff, caregivers, and volunteers.
David Mendoza.
As Amazing Place’s most tenured staff member, he still has his key to the original Amazing Place and lives by the words of our founder, Reverend Dean Robinson, “Always Go Forward. Never Give Up.” David has made these words his personal motto, finding them especially meaningful during the pandemic. Even when the campus was closed, David came by to check on the building. “This is my home,” David says. “I wanted to make sure everything was ready when our Amazing Place family came back.” As he has done for the last 20 years, David wore many hats on behalf of Amazing Place throughout 2020. That’s why it’s fitting he is known as “Macho Man,” a name given to him by a participant who knew that David would always be there making sure everything was taken care of.
“I do it for them, the participants. Last year was tough, but we just had to hang in there and keep going day by day. As I learned early here, Always Go Forward.”
