Memory Cafe

This year commemorates the 8th anniversary of the passing of Shafeeka Brown’s husband, George Brown. George battled the dual challenges of Frontotemporal Dementia and ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), and despite the relentless search for medical solutions, no relief was found. In 2010, Shafeeka and her daughter Nicole, in search of hope, discovered the concept of a Memory Cafe pioneered by Dr. Jytte Lokvig in Santa Fe, New Mexico. A Memory Cafe provides a haven for meaningful conversations and social interactions for individuals like George, despite the challenges posed by their illnesses. Eager to establish a similar haven in Phoenix, Shafeeka reached out to Dr. Lokvig with the ambitious goal of bringing a Memory Cafe to our community. Unfortunately, circumstances prevented her from assisting, but undeterred, Shafeeka was passionately committed to launching a vibrant Memory Cafe at Saint Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Chandler, open to all community members in the SE Valley. After over a decade of setbacks including a global-pandemic and rector search, the Memory Cafe at Saint Matthew’s opened its doors in December 2023 to host the community on the first and third Fridays of every month for the years to come.

There is an urgent need for such a dynamic space in our area, as Arizona lacks an abundance of Memory Cafes that could significantly enhance our community's well-being. Memory Cafes are welcoming places specifically designed for individuals grappling with Alzheimer’s Disease, various forms of dementia, or other brain disorders. What sets these Cafes apart is their inclusive nature, aiming to provide a shared experience that incorporates care partners as well. Moreover, they prove beneficial for individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

The uniqueness of our Memory Cafe lies in its diverse focus, offering a range of experiences. Some weeks may involve games and trivia, while others are filled with the joy of demographic-appropriate music and dancing, fostering personal connections. Certain weeks are centered on artistic expressions like crafts and painting, promoting creativity, and other weeks feature guided exercises designed to evoke nostalgic memories. Every meeting encourages informal conversations that lead to the formation of new friendships. Essentially, there is something for everyone at our Memory Cafe or a Cafe near you. Join Shafeeka and the Memory Cafe committee on the first and third Fridays of each month at Saint Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Chandler. Every Cafe meeting offers a new theme and activity and always includes brain teasers and social activities for those with cognitive impairment and their caregivers.