Faithfully Answering the Call
“Our achievements this last year and throughout Amazing Place’s 25-year history are the product of countless unsung heroes.”
Dear friends and families of Amazing Place,
Since 1996, we have faithfully answered the call to empower lives disrupted by dementia, fulfilling the vision of our founder, Rev. Dean Robinson. Our 25th Anniversary year, in spite of the continued pandemic, was marked by great accomplishments, innovation, and optimism for our organization’s future.
Reopening the Day Program in April may have been our greatest accomplishment. It was such a thrill to welcome so many of our participants and their families back in-person. All the while, our Virtual Activity Program offered participants from around Houston and the country an opportunity to engage with their Amazing Place friends.
As we jumpstarted our Day Program, our Connections Program staff was busy expanding its offerings with the addition of Aging Solo and Savvy Caregiver Express.
In 2021, we were also delighted to add a new Governing Sponsor Church, West University United Methodist. Also, Grace Fellowship and Second Baptist joined our West Council of Congregations.
The year closed with exciting news on two fronts. We were awarded a $2 million challenge grant from the Mabee Foundation of Midland, Texas in support of our Amazing Together Campaign as we expand our current location and look forward to Amazing Place West. In order to receive the grant, we need to raise an additional $2.4 million by October 2022. We were also awarded a three-year $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, which will allow us to expand our Faith Care Connection program to Katy/West Houston, and launch two new initiatives: STAR-C Caregiver and Cuidando con Respeto, a program that partners with churches serving the Spanish-speaking population.
Our achievements this last year and throughout Amazing Place’s 25-year history are the product of countless unsung heroes – talented, dedicated, and caring staff members, remarkable volunteers, faithful church partners, inspiring participants and loved ones, generous donors, and friends who guide and support our mission and vision every day. Our gratitude runs deep.
As the number of dementia cases continues to rise throughout Houston and the U.S. at large, our commitment to empowering lives and ending the stigma of dementia is as strong as ever. It is a blessing to be a part of this ministry and I look forward to continuing our work together as we faithfully answer the call of those in need.
With gratitude,
Tracey Brown
Executive Director
AMAZING PLACE 2021 ANNUAL REPORT: FAITHFULLY ANSWERING THE CALL
Day Program Team (Front row, left to right) David Mendoza, Arianna Toups, Jada Robertson, Pam Berkley, Daniel Tabora; (Back row, left to right) Logan Campbell, Jose Cuellar, Emile Unverzagt, Casey Chelton, and Tee McKenzie.
Our signature Day Program takes a multidisciplinary approach to serving individuals who have been diagnosed with mild to moderate dementia, while providing respite and education to their caregiving families. Participants benefit from mental, physical, and social activities, many of which have been created or adapted to meet individual interests and strengths. They are also treated to a brain-healthy lunch through our Memory Preservation Nutrition® program.
A WELCOME RETURN
Forced to suspend operations of the on-site Day Program at the onset of COVID, we happily celebrated its re-opening on April 15, 2021. All returning participants were re-assessed by our Day Program team to ensure we could provide quality, personalized care. To keep everyone safe to the best of our ability, we followed strict safety protocols based on guidance from the Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC, and local health experts. This included limiting the number of participants per day to maintain social distancing.
As we do periodically, we conducted a 2021 Caregiver Survey of Day Program families. We were gratified that 100 percent of respondents would recommend the Amazing Place Day Program to others. The same percentage indicated they were “comfortable” or “very comfortable” when it came to the their loved one’s safety at Amazing Place. Plus, we received an overall positive rating of 98 percent.
VIRTUAL ACTIVITY PROGRAM
With a successful track-record of serving more individuals by using technology, our Virtual Activity Program became an integral part of how we served in 2021. For four hours a day every Monday through Friday, Day Program team members connected with participants on Zoom and provided opportunities for social engagement and cognitive and physical stimulation with brain games, seated exercises, inspirational news, reminiscing sessions, and other entertaining programs. We also began offering hybrid rates so that participants and participant families had the option to benefit from Amazing Place either in-person, virtually, or a combination of the two.
Carol Cooper, Day Program Director.
THE HEART OF A MINISTER
Carol Cooper, Amazing Place’s Day Program Director, says it is her training as a minister that allows her to “hear with her heart” and provide guidance and comfort to those who come into contact with her. “Our families need to be heard. They need compassion and validation, so my job is to quietly listen and let them talk, share, and communicate,” she says. “My training in chaplaincy and counseling allows me to hear past the words so I can provide them with the support and direction they need.”
CALLED TO SERVE
Carol, who has been with Amazing Place for over 12 years, has always felt called to serve. Her experience as a minister began at an independent church, where she was involved in pastoral care and counseling. She later honed her skills as a chaplain at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital and Texas Children’s Hospital. Regardless of where she has been, Carol has always felt the need to help and connect people.
Since joining the staff of Amazing Place, just as we were moving into our current home on Drexel, Carol has grown alongside the organization as Participant and Family Coordinator, Care Team Director, and now Day Program Director. Over the years she has stayed connected with participants and their families as well as community resources by keeping lines of communication open to those she meets. Her soft-spoken insights have helped form many of the organization’s programs, operations, and policies.
“I am so proud to be a part of the compassionate caring here at Amazing Place. Connecting with people in meaningful ways, supported by local churches, and run by a mission-driven leadership team, this place is like coming home for me. We are family here.”
– Carol Cooper, Day Program Director
AMAZING PLACE 2021 ANNUAL REPORT: FAITHFULLY ANSWERING THE CALL
Connections Program Team (Left to Right) Jill Thompson, PT; Mehrnaz Gill, MSG; Katherine Christie, LMSW; Sharon Cantrell, MS; Pam Berkley; and Sally Davis, RN, MSN.
During 2021, Amazing Place continued to focus on promoting brain-healthy lifestyles and developing dementia-friendly communities through education, training, and support. Beyond what we offer to our Day Program participants, our Connections Program served a wider audience than ever last year. Those benefiting from our programs included individuals living with dementia or at-risk for dementia, family members, caregivers, congregations of all faiths, and the community at large.
SAVVY CAREGIVER
Specifically designed for those who have a loved one diagnosed with dementia, Amazing Place offered both in-person and virtual Savvy Caregiver classes in 2021. Participants learned about the stages of dementia and acquired and improved their skills in managing behaviors and daily living activities in addition to addressing specific challenges at home. More than 600 individuals were impacted by the three Savvy Caregiver offerings: the traditional six-week program, the three-week Savvy Express designed for those with time constraints, and Advanced Savvy, for graduates of the initial trainings.
FAITH CARE CONNECTION
Amazing Place worked closely with Houston area churches to identify and support individuals in their congregations who were living alone and at risk for cognitive changes or other issues due to aging. Connecting both in-person and virtually, the Faith Care Connection team assessed more than 140 individuals for social isolation, depression, and quality of life. Referrals, recommendations, and follow-ups with their care took place over the course of the year. Because of this project’s success, we have been awarded a new grant and will soon expand these efforts into Katy/West Houston.
“Everyone talks about dementia, but Amazing Place actually empowers you.”
– Carmen Dominguez, Connections Program Participant
CARE CONSULTATION
As dementia diagnoses continued to rise last year in Houston, Amazing Place expanded its efforts to support those who needed information, resources, and referrals. Through telephone-based care consultation, our team of experts provided next-step advice, valuable resources, education, and follow-up care.
“There are many resources out there, but most are geared toward the patient. Amazing Place has my back as a caregiver. They help me figure out what I need to take care of my sister and make sure I am taking care of myself as well.”
– Berniece Davis, Connections Program Participant
AGING SOLO
One of our newest Connections programs, Aging Solo, launched in 2021 as we empowered individuals to take charge of their aging journeys. This free, 4-week, 2 hours per week program helped participants get their documents in order, define a support network, and understand what’s involved with aging in place or moving to a care community. We’ve learned there is a huge demand for this type of program and continue to believe it’s never too early or too late to plan your aging journey.
“As a retired financial planner, I want to plan for the future as much as possible. That’s why I took the Aging Solo class. It pointed out gaps that I can fix to prepare as best as possible for the future. I know I can count on Amazing Place when I need help.”
– Curtis Smith, Connections Program Participant
BRAIN HEALTH MATTERS
In 2021, the greater Houston area learned more about dementia, caregiving, and the importance of brain health through our free Brain Health Matters presentations. More than 50 presentations, a mix of virtual and in-person, were adapted to meet the specific needs of groups, organizations, congregations, and companies requesting one of our speakers. A new offering, My Friend Has Dementia. How Can I Help?, has proven to be particularly popular.
AMAZING PLACE 2021 ANNUAL REPORT: FAITHFULLY ANSWERING THE CALL
Beverly and Gerald Fanarof.
From their high-rise home with beautiful views of the city, you can tell that Beverly and Gerald Fanarof find joy in family, music, traveling, and art. In fact, you may hear the classical music they love so much as you sit in a comfortable living area surrounded by contemporary décor with pops of vibrant color. The South African artwork and decorative pieces on display give a hint of just how far this couple has journeyed in their life together.
The two, both born in South Africa, met while in medical school in Johannesburg. He was training to become a gastroenterologist and she was studying to be a pediatric physical therapist. They married and, in short course, had two daughters, Daniella and Justine. In the late ‘70’s, Gerald accepted a Fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine, which brought the family to Houston. With successful careers in the medical profession, Beverly and Gerald happily raised their children from a variety of West Houston neighborhoods and became involved with Houston’s many cultural offerings, including Holocaust Museum Houston, the Houston Symphony, and the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University.
After returning from a trip to Patagonia in 2015, Gerald began showing signs of anxiety, depression, and a sudden change in personality. The family left no stone unturned as they sought help from internists, psychologists, neurologists, and other experts in search for answers to the progressive impairment of Gerald’s cognitive abilities. After a long process of elimination, Gerald was eventually diagnosed with mild dementia.
Beverly, with her background in healthcare, is straightforward, calm, and determined to find medical answers for her husband’s medical condition. She also knows she has to take care of herself so she can take care of Gerald. She first heard of Amazing Place from her therapist. When Beverly and Gerald visited the campus, neither was convinced the Day Program was right for Gerald. He just wasn’t ready to accept that this was where he belonged. Beverly, however, began attending a support group right away because she knew she needed help as a caregiver. As she says, “If I’m no good, he’s no good,” referring to her husband.
“I really think it may have saved my life. Amazing Place has profoundly changed me. I am calmer, more accepting, and understanding as we find a different way forward. It continues to be a process and that process is different for everyone,” Beverly says. “We have embraced Amazing Place and Amazing Place has embraced us.”
“We have embraced Amazing Place and Amazing Place has embraced us.”
About a year after they first visited the campus, Day Program Director Carol Cooper suggested to Beverly that Gerald might be ready to participate. Initially, he resisted but soon he was enjoying himself and looking forward to the Creative Writing sessions.
When COVID hit and Amazing Place began offering its Virtual Activity Program, Beverly said it was a lifeline. “We were so isolated and couldn’t go anywhere, but Gerald loved getting on Zoom with his headset on. Finding a way to connect during COVID, thanks to Amazing Place, was a miracle.” She adds, “To this day, Gerald looks forward to the virtual sessions and enjoys the routine. He really likes the exercises. Everyone is wonderful and it’s as helpful to me as it is to him.”
Beverly acknowledges she has learned a lot from the staff and the friends she has made through Amazing Place. She has participated in offerings such as Stress Busters and Powerful Tools and continues with her support groups. She acknowledges that making time for herself is important, so she plays bridge, goes to lunch with friends, hangs out with her four adopted grandchildren, and enjoys museum visits and concerts.
“Denial is a huge problem for all of us–family, friends, and former colleagues–so you have to learn to acknowledge the loss,” she shares. “At the same time, you learn to find what brings you joy. Joy can be in very small things–walks outdoors, your pets, a smile.”
The Fanarofs recently found a great deal of joy when Daniella, who lives on the East Coast, married Ben in Houston in March 2022. Gerald proudly walked her down the aisle, a moment they both still fondly recall. When the bride and her father enjoyed their first dance, “there was no dry eye in the house.”
The Fanarofs are steadfast in wanting the medical and services communities to have greater dialogue with each other, believing the resources they’ve found at Amazing Place could have been introduced to them earlier as they were trying to find their footing. “There’s a disconnect between diagnosis and the support you need when cognitive decline hits. This is a huge gap that needs to be filled to help people like us. We want everyone to know that Amazing Place is one of the few organizations that works in collaboration with the community to support families. We all need to spread the word about Amazing Place.”
AMAZING PLACE 2021 ANNUAL REPORT: FAITHFULLY ANSWERING THE CALL
5,120 TOTAL PEOPLE SERVED IN 2021
1,258 PEOPLE SERVED THROUGH OUR DAY PROGRAM
3,862 PEOPLE SERVED THROUGH OUR CONNECTIONS PROGRAM
“When dementia pulls the rug out from under families, they reach for something to hang onto. Amazing Place is that stable handhold to provide support, resources, encouragement, and life-changing relationship for those families as they regain their balance. What a gift of God!”
– Dr. Tom Pace, Senior Pastor, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church
Together, with volunteers like Nancy Manford, Amazing Place is empowering lives disrupted by dementia and ending the stigma of dementia.
AMAZING PLACE 2021 ANNUAL REPORT: FAITHFULLY ANSWERING THE CALL
One enduring strength of Amazing Place continues to be its generous donors and faithful supporters. The financial contributions that came throughout 2021 were tremendous as we all navigated another year of the pandemic. The cash position of the organization was strong at the end of the year with $840,670 in operating cash and $3,497,254 in restricted and designated cash, primarily for the Amazing Together Campaign.
2021 REVENUE – $3,976,384
2021 EXPENSES – $3,250,641
AMAZING PLACE 2021 ANNUAL REPORT: FAITHFULLY ANSWERING THE CALL
Event chairs Lisa and George Francisco welcomed more than 350 guests to celebrate 25 years of Amazing Place at the Houston Polo Club on October 6, 2021. Honorees included Amazing Place’s Governing Sponsor Churches, Council of Congregation Churches, and the broader faith community. The dinner celebration raised more than $720,000, an incredible testament to the generosity of so many.
Kathy & Charlie Chaffin, Amazing Place Board President.
Stephanie & Frank Tsuru.
Tracey Brown & Mary Beth Staine.
Carolyn & David Light.
Julie Payne.
Event Chairs Lisa & George Francisco with The Rev. Dr. Jacques D. Denkins of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and Pastor Alonzo K. Edwards of Pilgrim Congregational UCC.
Lisa & George Francisco with Laura & The Rev. Dr. Russell J. Levenson, Jr. of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church.
AMAZING PLACE 2021 ANNUAL REPORT: FAITHFULLY ANSWERING THE CALL
Rendering of Amazing Place West.
Few may be aware that Rev. Dean Robinson, the visionary leader who helped found what is now Amazing Place, grew up and went to school in Katy. So, when his sister Diana Robinson Elder reminisces about her brother Dean, she is sure he “would be thrilled beyond words” that where he played and went to school as a boy will be the home of Amazing Place West.
The DNA of the Robinson family, Diana recounts, is “living to serve,” which she, Dean, and their brother Wilton learned from their parents who came to the rural area west of Houston in 1942 so her dad could launch a one-of-a-kind agricultural science program for Katy Independent School District. His self-sustaining Future Farmers of America model, including livestock barns, pens, feedlots, pasture land, and a lighted rodeo arena, was the first in the nation. In tribute, the L.D. Robinson Pavilion in Katy is a place of inspiration, achievement, and celebration.
When completed, the 2-acre Amazing Place West campus will be another thread in the remarkable Robinson family legacy of caring for their community. “When he helped create Amazing Place, I’m sure Dean never thought there would be a direct benefit to his hometown,” says Diana. “The greater Katy community couldn’t be more delighted. My brother planted the seeds and we are all eager to harvest the dream.”
