A Story of Creativity, Community & ConnectionNicolette McDermott-Ketchum PA-C, BS Ed, CDV, CMDCP THE HUMMINGBIRD MEMORY CAFE
Thoughtful planning supports meaningful participation. Creativity can be a powerful tool for connection. Key Takeaways 1 2 Poetry offers one way to create together at a cafe gathering. 3
My JOurneY to the Cafe 1970s Library and school in my backyard. 1980s Volunteer with elders. Nursing assistant in care home. 1990s Elementary and middle school teacher. Mom. Wife. 2000s Primary care physician assistant for 17 years. 2020+ Founder and facilitator of the cafe. Grandmother. Daughter. 36 years caring for people across life’s spectrum
Effective memory cafés are not replicas of a single model. They are shaped by unique communities they serve shared values relationships developed over timeLessonActionDevelop a cafe based on the needs of the community.
1997 First memory cafe opens in the Netherlands. 2000 UK opens first memory cafe. 2008 First us memory cafe opens in Santa Fe, NM. 2020 February The Hummingbird Memory Cafe gathers in person. April Cafe pivots to online gatherings & in home creativity kits. 2023 Cafe continues seasonal kit deliveries & focuses on sharing resources via social media. 2024-Present Cafe continues to share resources via social media, as well as publishing collections of co-created poetry and other collective artistic expressions.Cafe History
Whether or not money is involved, a business plan helps organize and guide the development of a café. It is grounded by vision, guided by mission, and protected by values.LessonActionDevelop a “business plan” to guide the development of your cafe.
Elements of a Business Plan Identity Problem Our solution Target market The “competition” Revenue & Support Expenses Marketing activities Team and key roles Milestones
The mission of the Hummingbird Memory Cafe is to provide a relaxing place for people LIVING with dementia and their carers to gather, celebrate humanity, and make connections with others in similar situations. Cafe Mission
Inclusive Creativity Fellowship Dignity Normalcy Loving Kindness Values matter because they guide decisions, shape culture, and ensure an organization’s actions align with its mission and purpose. Values of the Cafe
Multiple cafes will be established catering to the needs of the individual participants and their carers. Memory cafes will support the growth of our community as an inclusive living space, including the designation as dementia friendly. Cafe Vision
One person doesn’t have to be the expert in all things.LessonActionBuild a team. Grow together.
Training Resources Lived Experiences of Volunteers Beth Soltzberg’s Tedx presentation Dr. Jytte Lokvig “In The Moment” video
You never really “master” this work. You keep being shaped by it.LessonActionContinue to learn what people LIVING with dementia and their carers need in your community.
Sources of EvaluationStories participant experiences Creative evidence art poetry shared projects Numbers attendance surveys
Every person brings something the room did not have before.LessonActionAcknowledge how humanity will be welcomed and honored at the cafe.
LessonActionExpand the discussion of creativity from art to integration into daily life.Creativity plays an important role not only at the cafe, but in our daily lives as well.
CREATE WITH FAMILYShared experiences strengthen connection, curiosity, and belonging across generations.Ideas are shared, everyday problems are solved together and multiple generations learn from each other.AT THE CAFEExperiences can be recreated at home. Basic supplies.REMINISCENCECREATIVITY KITSCreativity Extends Into the Home & Daily LifeSimple materials and prompts allow participants to continue creating at home and extend the spirit of the café into daily life. Individuals and families explore meaningful objects, photos, and memories in new ways, sparking storytelling, imagination, reflection, and shared discovery.
Creative TogetherWe are creative. We sing. We play. We connect. Grateful for friendship.Hummingbird Memory Cafe
Related Cafe Publications www.hummingbirdmemorycafe.comA M E M O R Y C A F E R E S O U R C E G U I D ECONNECTIONSJOYFULTHE HUMMINGBIRD MEMORY CAFE PRESENTS
LIFE Lessons We Can Learn from a Memory Café Experience 1. Be present and engage with others in the moment. 2. All of us have a need for social connection and love. 3. Being able to make choices (even if ever so small) allows us to feel some control of our lives. 4. Creativity allows us to express ourselves without concern for right or wrong. 5. Wonderful memories can be made with others even through the simplest of engagements. 6. We are not alone in our daily challenges/struggles. 7. We all need purpose in our lives.
Simple Actions That Make a Difference Invite people LIVING with dementia and their families into community conversations. Create spaces where people can connect, contribute, and experience joy. Amplify the voices and creations of your memory cafe. Advocate for policies that help people live well with dementia at home and in community. Explore ideas that help reimagine a better world with and for people LIVING with dementia. Review programs through an equity and inclusion lens. Every Memory Café is a reminder that life with dementia still holds creativity, connection, and possibility.
@ H u m m i n g b i r d M e m o r y C a f e Facebook Instagram TikTok Threads YouTube Pinterest Spotify LinktreeLike, Share and FollowContact the Cafe Phone/Text: 505-787-6322 Email: hummingbirdmemorycafe@gmail.com Web: www.hummingbirdmemorycafe.com