Bronzeville is a vibrant neighborhood where the rich tapestry of AA culture thrives. Despite being underresourced, this community boasts a resilient spirit and a deep history, making it a prime location for empowerment and growth. Bronzeville’s demographics, with 30% of residents aged over 50 and nearly 90% identifying as Black, present a unique opportunity for intervention and support. We will leverage our partnerships to bring community experts for presentations, activities and discussions, to understand the need and to develop a strategic action plan. By addressing cognitive wellness within Bronzeville, we both enhance the quality of life for residents & reduce health disparities
The Bronzeville Dementia Friendly Task Force represents a broad range of community members. The Task Force is comprised of people from a local faith community, a local non-profit, healthcare, Founding Director of the South Loop Village, member of a neighboring Dementia Friendly community, the local library, the local alderman, and a caregiver. The local Area Agency on Aging (CDFSS), though not part of the task force, has provided a letter of support and will make Bronzeville aware of their programming which can support the Dementia Friendly efforts. Several of the task force members are already Dementia Champions.
A caregiver is part of the task force and many of the task force members work with people who have dementia and will include their voice in the Dementia Friendly efforts. Caregivers will give input into the memory kits which will be available through the library and will also have input into programs offered through the Memory Café.
As the Champion organization for the Dementia Friendly Bronzeville efforts, a local non-profit will work to provide information on brain health for the community and support for those living with dementia. Through monthly presentations, activities, and discussions, both support and education will be provided to the community.