About HOPE

HOPE thrives with the support of our volunteers and donors. We are all passionate about providing support, education, and advocacy for care partners and those living with dementia.

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

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

Message from Lynn Crawford, RN, BSN, Program Manager

Greetings from the HOPE Team! As the seasons change, we continue to stay busy. Our weekly support groups continue to grow, with a new evening group in Brush Prairie and the promise of an October start date of one in Kelso. We are so pleased with the success of our new “Meet Me at…” series of activities for our friends living with dementia and their care partners. “Meet Me at the Movies” features monthly screenings of classic musicals at the vintage Kiggins Theatre. “Meet Me at the Museum” has us learning about the history of beer and how to do calligraphy. “Meet Me the Wildlife Refuge” takes us to the Plank House for the sights, sounds and smells of the Ridgefield NWR-and for a picnic with a little Native American music! Be sure to check out the website for our other activities and events throughout the rest of the year.