Service Area 12
Meet Our Dementia Friends Champions at Service Area 12
Get to know the passionate leaders driving the Dementia Friends movement across Illinois, dedicated to fostering understanding and building supportive communities for those living with dementia.
Karen Lowe Graham
Where do you work?
Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center
What Dementia Friendly Community are you a part of?
Soon to be Dementia Friendly Washington Heights, We are also a sponsor of the South Loop Memory Cafe’
Where are you located for giving talks?
Chicagoland/ Cook; virtually: anywhere
What do you like about Dementia Friends?
As a former AD family caregiver, I found it invaluable to have friends and colleagues who were knowledgeable about the disease and resources to help me. Dementia Friendly programs help to educate the wider community about AD and some tools to support those in need.
Victoria Russo
Where do you work?
City of Chicago, Department of Family and Support Services
What Dementia Friendly Community are you a part of?
Uptown/Andersonville/Rogers Park/Edgewater
Where are you located for giving talks?
Within City of Chicago limits.
What do you like about Dementia Friends?
I like how local the services are. It gives members the ability to really feel connected to
the organization and have an influence over the type of programs and services offered.
Laura Voss-Allen
Where do you work?
Chicago Hyde Park Village
What Dementia Friendly Community are you a part of?
Hyde Park
Where are you located for giving talks?
Hyde Park neighborhood, included in volunteer training; (hoping to start regular sessions at
Blackstone Library)
What do you like about Dementia Friends?
I like Dementia Friends because it helps remove the stigma of dementia and makes our
neighborhood more friendly and accessible for people living with dementia and their care
partners.
Sarah Collins
Where do you work?
What Dementia Friendly Community are you a part of?
Where are you located for giving talks?
What do you like about Dementia Friends?
