About HOPE

Research shows that family members who provide care to individuals with chronic or disabling conditions such as dementia are themselves at risk. Emotional, mental, and physical health problems arise from complex caregiving situations and the strains of caring for frail or disabled relatives. (Family Caregiver Alliance)

In 2007 “A Breath of Fresh Air”, a dementia support group, was started, led by Chaplain Dick Merrick. With the help of group member, Jan Malone, the number of weekly support groups in Vancouver grew. New groups were started and additional mentors and professionals joined to help HOPE grow.

In January of 2012 a nonprofit was formed, “HOPE, a dementia support group”. More support groups were added, both in Vancouver and the Portland metro area. When we consider that more than 5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and more than 15 million Americans serve as unpaid caregivers (Alz.org 2017 facts and figures), we are reaching less than the tip of the iceberg.

In 2018, HOPE began to partner with the community to increase support. We now provide monthly community educational offerings and a dedicated committee works tirelessly to create a yearly dinner/auction fundraiser, our major event intended to support HOPE’s initiatives. Believing strongly in the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association, HOPE also participates in the Longest Day in June, meeting and talking with caregivers, those living with memory loss and the general community. HOPE also leads a team for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

In 2021, HOPE became a program of CDM Caregiving Services, another local non-profit. This change enhanced our opportunity to focus on serving care partners and their loved ones living with dementia.

HOPE is continuing work to increase dementia support throughout our communities, collaborating with our community partners and volunteers.

Our Caregiver/Care Partner support groups:

• Meet weekly
• Are now supporting care partners in the Camas/Washougal and Columbia Gorge areas, along with Ashland, OR
• Have added new support groups to support those living with memory loss and those who have lost their loved one to dementia:
  • New Beginnings, a bereavement group for care partners who have lost their loved one to dementia
  • Two groups for individuals with mild/moderate cognitive impairment and their care partners
• Monthly Community Education events with guest speakers – open to anyone who would like to attend

These current programs are supported through targeted donations:

Mary Ann’s Babies & Pets

Doll or Pet Therapy involves offering dolls/pets to adults who are living with dementia and other medical conditions with the goal of improving their comfort, engagement, and quality of life. Doll/Pet therapy is typically used for people who are in the middle or late stages of dementia.

Rays of HOPE

Need help celebrating your loved one’s birthday? Anniversary? Do you need some time for self-care?
We can help you celebrate the little things, like:

• Transportation to see a loved one
• A night away
• A birthday or anniversary celebration
• A little self-care
• Respite

Memory Activity Boxes

Activity boxes designed for individuals with dementia or memory loss while in the hospital, rehabilitation, memory care or even at home. These can provide benefits such as alleviating some of the anxiety and restlessness that occurs when someone with dementia is taken out of their familiar environment, improvements in mood, and better communication.

HOPE Walks Trail Maps

The HOPE Walks Trail Map series was developed in partnership with Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington for public use, with a special focus on aging populations, including those with dementia and those who care for them. Studies have been shown that time outdoors has a positive health impact on individuals with dementia as with all populations. Maps were designed as a resource focusing on accessible nature trails, with this broader health focus in mind.

Music and Memories

• A new program started in September 2022
• Includes monthly musical participation for individuals with dementia and their care partners led by a music therapist.

Dementia Friends

• We have partnered with the Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington (AAADSW) to offer Dementia Friends to our community
• Dementia Friends USA is part of a global movement that is changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. Anyone can be a Dementia Friend – we all have a part to play in creating dementia friendly communities!

We are collaborating with AAADSW to increase dementia support for rural counties

Our Advisory Council consists of individuals with expertise for caring for the needs of senior/dementia populations to provide input on our current initiatives and growth strategies

Meet our Volunteers!

HOPE Group Leaders are volunteers who are active in or have experienced caregiving of someone with dementia and have completed facilitator training. HOPE also has many additional volunteers who dedicate their time helping with projects and programs. We are so grateful!

Lynn Crawford

Lynn became a group leader for the HOPE Dementia Support Groups following the death of her husband in 2016 from complications of Lewy Body Dementia. She currently serves as the Program Manager for HOPE.  Her goal is to use her experience and knowledge to assist those care partners who are undergoing a similar experience.

Her background is nearly 45 years of nursing, primarily in Critical Care.  Prior to retirement she was privileged to work in Palliative Care, supporting patients and their families as they faced serious illness and end of life issues. She is honored to be a member of this dedicated team.

Mary Lookingbill

Mary is a retired clergy woman (United Methodist denomination) who served as a chaplain at PeaceHealth and the Ray Hickey Hospice House.  She started attending the New Beginnings group in 2022 and is grateful for the chance to give back to her community. Mary and her husband Dean live in Vancouver along with their 3 daughters and 7 grandchildren.  Besides community volunteering, you can find Mary active in her church’s activities as well as involved with her local family.

Julie Donovan

Julie Donovan came to HOPE with a background in Home Care Services and Hospice. This allowed her to see first-hand the difficulties families experienced when dealing with a loved one living with dementia. Julie holds a Post-Graduate Certificate in Gerontology from Washington State University. Her ability to communicate with businesses, clients and community members, has allowed her to be an effective proponent of the HOPE mission. Julie’s favorite activities are time with her family, walking, music and art.

Mary Carroll

Mary is a Registered Nurse and has been with HOPE since its inception in 2008. Mary began as a Chaplain with Nursing Home Ministries. During these visits to hospitals and other support facilities, she recognized an overwhelming need for education and support around Dementia.  This disease not only impacts the patient, but also their families, friends, and medical staff who care for them.  Mary’s desire to educate and support those affected by this disease quickly became a new passion which led to a new purpose in her life.

Pastor Dick Merrick was a guiding light in Mary’s journey – he was a mentor, teacher, and a friend and she served on his Board of Directors for 3 years.  During this time she became acquainted with Teepa Snow: therapist, teacher, and author of “A Positive Approach”. In 2011, Mary was honored to be asked to take over Dick Merrick’s support group and she maintains that role to this day. She is amazed to see how much the program has grown and how many people have found support, education, and advocacy through HOPE.

Darlene Peterson

Darlene was one of the first Board members of HOPE in 2012, before it was called HOPE, and has seen the many changes HOPE has been through over the years, “all for the better”. Darlene was a member of a support group and when her husband passed away with Alzheimer’s in 2011 she felt the need to give back to the group that had taught her so much about dementia. “The group basically saved me from disaster.” Her personal experience and education have enabled her to help those going through the difficulties of caring for someone with dementia.

Beth Johnson

Beth has been a part of HOPE Dementia Support since 2016.  After retiring from Hospital, Hospice and Palliative Care Chaplaincy she began serving on the Board of Directors and in 2017 began a HOPE support group in the greater Portland area.  The group Beth leads is now an “Online” group, serving care partners from various areas of Washington and Oregon states.

Bill Cohen

Bill Cohen leads caregiver support groups, is a HOPE Dementia Support and Alzheimer’s Association volunteer, a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®, and the owner of Cohen Caregiving Support Consultants.  His loving and talented mother, Sheila, lost her home to Hurricane Katrina. Then, she lost her health, ability to create beautiful art and, ultimately, her life due to Alzheimer’s. For almost 10 years, Bill was her primary caregiver and advocate, not just her elder son. He first attended a support group over 16 years ago, found it helpful and informative, and became a facilitator over 8 years ago. Bill has completed multiple caregiving and aging courses. He has lived in the Portland, Oregon area for 37 years with his wife of 41 years, Lori.

Joey Yourchek

Joey is a support group leaderr with HOPE and also holds a position on HOPE’s Advisory Council. He volunteers with the Alzheimer’s Association as well – OR/SW WA Chapter, leading the organization Sundown Squad, also serving as the Committee Chair for The Longest Day Volunteer Committee, Board Member of the Chapter’s Leadership Board, Volunteer Support Group Facilitator, as well as the Co-Choir Director for the Sing Here Now Choir in Vancouver, WA. He serves in many additional volunteer roles. Joey is currently the Agency Administrator for Elfin Services.

Joey has a passion for his community and Seniors. He actively pursues opportunities to expand not only his own knowledge but help others toward the same goal. Joey loves being outdoors, especially when hanging out with friends and family. He lives with his partner of 20 years and his beloved cat Izabel (“Izzy”).

Carol Becker

Carol Becker is a HOPE Support Group Leader, and HOPE Board member who has been fascinated by and exploring the field of memory loss after recovering from her own brain infection thirty years ago. As a certified master hypnotherapist, Master Practitioner in NeuroLinguistic Processing and TimeLine® Therapy, and a Trauma and Dementia Therapy Specialist, Carol has worked over 20 years helping people find hope and meaning in their lives.  As a knowledge junkie, Carol loves learning how things work whether internal combustion engines, magnetism, or human beings. She brings that innate curiosity and passion for learning to her work with group members and their loved ones living with dementia. Having moved from Arizona, Carol is busy setting up her new house, learning her way around the city and making new friends. She is learning about lawn care and gardening, and relaxes with classical music, jazz, and her Siamese cat, Julie.

Amanda McCallum

As a Regional Account Manager for 1^st CHOICE Advisory Services, Amanda has the privilege of working with families and seniors to find safe housing when they can no longer live at home. Ten years ago she lost her mom to Dementia. Ten years ago she knew nothing about Dementia. Today she wants to share all the helpful knowledge that comes her way personally and professionally.  “It’s a terrible disease but the more we know about it the better our journey can be!”

Terri Brandley

Terri is a nurse educator and certified case manager. She been a registered nurse (RN) for over 35 years and case manager for over 20 years in the US Navy and private sector. She teaches the required caregiver WA State DSHS long-term care courses, is a Dementia Friends trainer/instructor and additionally is working for PNW Aging Specialty Services. Terri has a Masters’ degree in Health Professions Education. Her passion is to improve the quality of life for those affected by aging, dementia and long-term care issues.

Terri lives in Camas, WA with her husband Dirk, son and two dogs, Schnigglefritz and Jolie. She is also the proud mother and grandmother to four grown daughters and 14 grandchildren. 

Lori Massie

Melanie Goff

Born and raised in Alaska, Melanie and her husband moved to the Vancouver area in 2000 and have 3 amazing kids. She loves the beautiful seasons and nearby hiking and fly fishing. Melanie has a real estate team at Keller Williams Realty and assists people daily as they transition to different homes. She is a certified Senior Residential Specialist and Senior Relocation Specialist. This includes teaching seminars and classes and helping people plan for their home and financial future. Joining HOPE as a facilitator for a caregiver support group and volunteering with them at events has strengthened her as she works with her mom who is fighting dementia and grieves for her sweet aunt who passed away from Alzheimer’s.

Karen Wilson

Alice Wilkinson

Alice facilitates HOPE support groups for a couple of reasons – one, her Significant Other had vascular dementia and she was his caregiver until he passed away in 2021 and she works with seniors and their families every day, trying to find senior living options that fill their needs. Dementia is a pervasive disease, and Alice hears people’s stories about what it does to their families. Anything she can do to help them down this difficult journey is important to her. HOPE changes lives, and she is proud to be a part of it.

Anne Vitort

Thomas Keolker

Thomas Keolker is a Liaison for Bristol Hospice in the Mid-Columbia Gorge area. All through his professional career, Tom has gravitated toward jobs where he can be of service to people. He has been involved in eldercare since he first relocated to Hood River in 2007 as the owner and operator of an in-home care agency and more recently as a part of the management team at a local assisted living facility.

Having lost his own wife to cancer 6 years ago, Tom is especially sensitive to the needs of patients and families who are going through a similar experience.

Becky Martin

Becky joined an online HOPE group while caring for her mother who had dementia and found it to be an important lifeline. A year after her mother’s death, Becky agreed to co-lead the group with Beth Johnson. She has since moved from Portland back to Ashland and continues to work with Beth on Zoom as well as starting a HOPE Dementia Support Group in Ashland with Diane Toth as co-leader. Becky’s background is in community mental health services in Jackson County, so this role is a wonderful combination of her skills and experience.

Diane Toth

x

Debbie Docksteader

Debbie was born in Coos Bay, Oregon, and later moved to Portland.  She went to college and studied Accounting while working as a Caregiver in an Adult Family Home.  After a move to Longview, WA, a career managing restaurants, she decided that her passion was in Caregiving.  In 2006, she went to work for PSA (Pediatric Services of America) and in 2014 started working for Elfin Services (now PNW Aging) as a Caregiver, later becoming Caregiver Specialist for the Longview and Kelso areas.

Debbie excels at getting to know both the caregivers and the clients to help ensure the best placement and care. She became Humanitude® Certified, learning how to train Caregivers to be more engaged, patient and loving with their clients. Debbie continues in her role as the Care Coordinator and Case Manager.

Emily Sanchez

Emily has lived in the SW Washington area for 21 years. She comes from a background in event planning, customer service, and real estate sales. As HOPE’s Support Specialist, she uses that incredible experience to celebrate, organize, streamline, find resources and, in general, take care of everyone in the HOPE Community.

She is married and lives in Vancouver, WA with her husband, son, dog, and cats. She spends her free time rock climbing (yes, she has a rock wall in her garage!), biking, gardening, or hanging out with her family.

Vera Colombo

Vera has been a member of a dementia support group since 2008 when Art, her husband of 40 years, was diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus. She began with a group led by Shanti Potts until her husband was placed in Hampton Memory Care. She then began attending a group led by Dick Merrick while also volunteering to help with activities and care for other residents. Vera also led a weekly art class for the Hampton residents (she enjoyed it immensely!) and even hosted an art reception for visitors. She is now helping lead a support group.

ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS:

Joshua Pops, P.L.L.C. | Law Office of Joshua Pops

Joey Yourchek | PNW Aging Specialty Services LLC

Heather Erickson | CDM Caregiving Services

Julie Williams | Home Instead

Terry Walters | Community Representative

Sara Scheetz, CEO | Senior Living Locator

Colleen Storey, MSW | PeaceHealth Hope Bereavement Center

Joyce Beedle, RN | Alzheimer’s Consulting Service

Lori Massie | HOPE Volunteer

Carol Becker | Resources by Becker

Lisa Le Tourneau | HOPE Volunteer