Community Success Stories
Communities across South Dakota are finding meaningful ways to support brain health, strengthen connections, and improve the lives of people affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Explore local stories that celebrate innovative ideas, community partnerships, and the people making a difference.
Healthy Brain Community Success Story
“Welcome to Black Hills Memory Café” is the sign that has greeted guests for the last four years. At Black Hills Memory Café, caregivers and their loved ones with memory loss come together to enjoy camaraderie with others in a similar situation, participate in an interactive program, enjoy light refreshments, and experience conversation in a safe and welcoming atmosphere.
The idea of creating a Black Hills Memory Café originated from the Western South Dakota Dementia Coalition. One of the Coalition members became aware of grant monies available through the University of North Dakota for the purpose of starting Memory Cafés in North and South Dakota. At that time, there were no Memory Café programs in South Dakota. The grant funds covered start-up costs to get us going!
Black Hills Memory Café’s focus is to offer a safe, engaging space for individuals experiencing memory loss and their family care partner to enjoy a morning of social interaction. Memory Café takes the stress out of going out in public because there is no worry about being judged or misunderstood. Everyone can socialize and enjoy each other’s company without feeling self-conscious. Caregivers receive support and connect with others who understand the journey they are experiencing. The overall goal is to reduce isolation and bring joy to both the person with memory loss and the caregiver.
Each month, our volunteer committee, with six members, plans a themed program that encourages our guests to share their stories. Every thought and comment is important as we reminisce about our school days, our summertime activities, our first car, or beloved pets. Laughter abounds, and participants build relationships. Every once in a while, we are able to offer a special program such as Barbershop music, a game of Name That Tune, or a Magic Show because of the generosity of those gifted community members who share their talent and time with our guests. Occasionally, we include a hands-on activity that coordinates with the theme of the morning, such as creating sand art bottles for our Beach Day theme.
The relationships created have extended beyond the once-a-month event. It is heartwarming when we notice families connecting and making plans to do things outside of Memory Café. No one needs to travel the dementia journey alone. Keeping connected to the community and staying engaged with others is healthy for the caregiver and the person living with dementia.
Over the last four years, the Black Hills Memory Café program has touched an estimated seventy families in the Black Hills area. Even though we do not discuss dementia at Black Hills Memory Café, resources are always available to caregivers. Black Hills Memory Café has been a conduit to help caregivers find needed services in our community.
In 2026, Black Hills Memory Café became a program of the Black Hills Center for Aging (BHCFA). Our volunteer committee continues to plan and facilitate the program under the direction of the BHCFA Caregiver Support Director. We are excited that we now have a home with a non-profit organization to take our memory café to the next level by offering stability and support to ensure the longevity of the program.
The Black Hills Memory Café meets in Rapid City on the third Tuesday of each month from 10–11:30 a.m. at Black Hills Center for Aging, 1339 E. North Street, Rapid City. Call 605-791-0426 or email MemoryCafeBH@gmail.com for more information.
Should your community have a Memory Café? Absolutely! If you would like to learn more about our experience and tips for getting started, email caregiversupport@blackhillscfa.org.
Submitted by Jan Bartscher
for Black Hills Memory Cafe