Peninsula Volunteers - Press Release

Press Contacts:

Michelle Knapik
Executive Director/CEO
Peninsula Volunteers, Inc.
Phone: 650-326-0665 x223
Email

Peninsula Volunteers Unveils Area’s Only “Brain Stormers” Program to Fight Memory Loss

As an extension of its 60 years of service to aging adults, Peninsula Volunteers, Inc. is adding a new activity-based program called “Brain Stormers” for adults concerned about memory loss and seeking to proactively enhance their memory skills.

The Brain Stormers group is the only one of its kind on the peninsula and one of just three in California.

Brain Stormers will offer an active program in a positive environment for socializing, educational opportunities, memory enhancing exercises, games, whole body fitness, creative arts, stress reduction techniques, speakers, field trips, and more. In addition to memory strengthening, the program focuses on social interaction, physical and mental stimulation, and community involvement.

Peninsula Volunteers received a start-up grant from the Brookdale Foundation Group to establish this service. There are 13 other such programs around the country started with assistance from the Brookdale Foundation Group, including programs in Napa and Fairfield, CA.

New reports point to staggering projections in the numbers of people who will be affected by Alzheimer’s disease in the coming years. While new treatments are increasingly available, it is known that social programs that incorporate support, education and camaraderie are beneficial to people concerned about memory loss. “For the past several years we have seen a series of studies that suggest the relationship between diet, exercise, social engagement and mental stimulation and positive impact on cognitive function and brain health,” said Bill Fisher, CEO of the Northern California Alzheimer’s Association.

Peninsula Volunteers Brain Stormers will meet once a week at Little House, the Roslyn G. Morris Activity Center, at 800 Middle Avenue, Menlo Park. Prospective members of Brain Stormers will be individually interviewed to determine qualification for the program. For more information, call Shawn Evans at 650-322-0126.

Peninsula Volunteers, Inc. is a pioneer in senior services and was the first volunteer organization to receive a HUD grant to develop and build low income senior housing in the United States. For more than 60 years, Peninsula Volunteers has created and provided high quality and nurturing programs for the aging in South San Mateo County, allowing them to pursue long and useful lives. Each year Peninsula Volunteers delivers over $4 million in services, including over 150,000 hot meals to seniors and the homebound, and touches over 4,500 households through its programs: Meals on Wheels; Little House, The Roslyn G. Morris Activity Center; Rosener House Adult Day Services; and Peninsula Volunteers Properties, Inc. The latter provides 82% of the affordable senior housing in Menlo Park at Crane Place and Partridge/Kennedy Apartments. For more information please visit our web site at www.peninsulavolunteers.org.