LIFE Memory Café program earns national honor for Most Impactful entry

LIFE a Dementia Friendly Foundation announced its Memory Café program has been selected as one of four national winners in the 2025 Memory Café Awareness Contest, earning the distinction of Most Impactful. As part of this award, LIFE will receive a $2,500 prize provided by AARP.

The Memory Café Awareness Contest, organized by Memory Cafe Alliance in collaboration with AARP and Dementia Friendly America, invited Memory Café teams across the country to submit videos and social media posts during October 2025 that highlight the importance of connection, inclusion and support for people living with memory-related changes and their care partners.

LIFE’s submission was selected because it demonstrated how Memory Cafés foster meaningful engagement, support brain health and build community.

“This recognition underscores the importance of Memory Cafés as more than just gatherings; they are lifelines for connection, engagement and compassion,” said Carole Klingler, CEO of LIFE. “We are honored to receive this award, and we are grateful to AARP, Memory Cafe Alliance, DFA, and to our community partners throughout Lorain and Wayne counties.”

The $2,500 award will help further strengthen LIFE’s weekly Memory Café programs by supporting supplies, activities, outreach and continued engagement opportunities for individuals and care partners in both counties.

For more information about LIFE’s Memory Café programs or ways to get involved, call Klingler at 440-935-3506.