There are things Terry sometimes has trouble recognizing now. Something in the refrigerator, or an everyday object that once would have required no thought at all. But his daughter, Laura, has noticed something remarkable. Put Terry in front of music, and suddenly, “It’s there...he doesn’t even miss a beat,” she says.

Every week at Giving Voice Foundation’s Creative Connections, Terry gets to experience more of those moments. As the music begins and a familiar rhythm takes over, people start moving. There is laughter, camaraderie and the comfort of being surrounded by others who understand. And Terry gets to simply be Terry.

Dementia changes so much. But there is still so much here. There is music to enjoy and a body that can move. New friendships to make and laughter to share. And there is a daughter and her dad experiencing something joyful together.

For Laura, seeing her dad come alive in these moments offers something families facing dementia deeply need: the chance to experience the person they love exactly as they are in this season of life.

Not defined by a diagnosis.
Not measured against who they used to be.
Simply welcomed, known and valued for who they are today.

That is the kind of community you help create through Giving Voice Foundation. And with your year-end gift, you can help make sure this community is here for the next family who needs it.

Creative Connections brings together individuals living with dementia for 90 minutes of professionally facilitated music and movement while their care partners gather simultaneously for their own facilitated support group. But what happens during those 90 minutes is about much more than an activity. It is a place to belong. A place where no one needs to explain why today might be difficult, and where there is still plenty of room for today to be joyful. For families like Terry and Laura, that community can become something remarkably close to family.

Connection is how Giving Voice works. We bring together people who know how to make moments like these possible. That includes skilled professionals, trusted community partners, volunteers, healthcare providers and families, each bringing what they do best. At Creative Connections, one of those partners is PONES. Their professional movement facilitators understand how to engage people living with dementia through movement. They know how to notice the smallest spark of interest - whether it is a foot beginning to move, a change in expression or a little more energy - and gently invite someone in.

And we see the difference. Across Creative Connections, 95% of participants report a positive mood when they leave, a 15% increase from when they arrived. Care partners tell us that the joy and engagement they see can ripple through the rest of the afternoon and sometimes the entire day. Laura sees it in her dad. When the music starts, there is familiarity and comfort…a true happy place. Terry doesn’t miss a beat. Which is why we are asking if you will help keep the connection going?

Today, Giving Voice Foundation serves up to 240 people every week through six Creative Connections locations across Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. To date, we have also supported over 850 families through our Purposeful Planning Program. And families continue to reach out. They are looking for places where a dementia diagnosis doesn’t mean withdrawing from the community…because living with dementia should not mean losing your place in it. Care partners need people who understand. Individuals living with dementia deserve opportunities to move, laugh, contribute, connect and experience joy. And families deserve access regardless of their ability to pay. That is why Giving Voice Foundation’s programs and services remain free of charge to the families we serve.

Together, our goal is to raise $20,000 by December 31 so families like Terry and Laura can continue finding no-cost, direct support and meaningful connection in the year ahead. Whether your gift is $50, $500, $2,500 or an amount meaningful to you, your support helps surround families with the programs, people and professional expertise they need.

Your gift doesn’t erase the difficult parts of dementia, but it can make sure a family doesn’t have to navigate them alone. It can create another room filled with music. Another place where a caregiver feels understood. Another opportunity for a daughter to watch her dad light up. Another moment when someone living with dementia is seen not for what has changed, but for everything that is still here.

Your gift fuels joy, fellowship, purpose, belonging and connection. For Terry and Laura, those moments happen every week. With your help, another family can find them, too.

With deepest gratitude,

Krista Powers

Executive Director

2026 Year End Appeal

Creating a dementia community where no one feels alone.