The Chris & Suzy DeWolf Family Innovation Center for Aging & Dementia

09/15/2026

In this month's edition of Centered News, Founder Kathy Good wrote about her first time reading “Words Matter: See Me, Not My Dementia.”

"It opened my eyes to how words, especially related to dementia, but even more broadly than just dementia, matter," she recalled.

It resonated so deeply that "WORDS MATTER" became a foundational and operational guideline for both the Family Caregivers Center and the DeWolf Innovation Center.

We all have the power to choose words that are respectful and dignified. 💙

09/10/2026

What makes a community truly thrive? 🤔

Join us in person at the DeWolf Innovation Center for Building Community, an inspiring conversation about creating stronger, more connected communities.

Community strategist and author Jono Bacon will join us live by video for a 90-minute presentation focused on successful communities and how we all play a role in shaping ours.

Register by September 24 by calling (319) 221-8866 or emailing [email protected].

09/04/2026

Caregiving is managing appointments, medications, and daily routines.

But it’s also ensuring someone feels safe, creating connection, maintaining their identity, and helping them find moments of joy. And those things matter just as much. 🧡

Our latest resource for family caregivers outlines the 7 Domains of Well-Being from Dr. Allen Power. This simple framework can help caregivers support not only a person's physical needs, but also the human needs that remain throughout the time of living with dementia.

👉 Read the guide here: https://www.dewolfinnovationcenter.org/home/services/trusted-caregiver-articles/the-7-domains-of-well-being-dr-power/

09/02/2026

Join us for A Storytelling Experience, featuring Neshama Franklin and W. Jamie Ward! 📚🎉

As part of the 2nd Annual Cedar Rapids Storytelling Festival, this event is free and open to the public.

Learn more about each storyteller and explore other ways to connect throughout the community: https://tellersbridge.org/cr-storytelling-festival

08/27/2026

WE LOVE OUR VOLUNTEERS! 💙

Currently, we have about 150 active volunteers filling 30+ different roles throughout the Center. Our team helps match volunteers with jobs that provide purpose and meaning for them and those we serve. Most of our volunteers have lived experience, but we also offer accessible volunteer opportunities for everyone.

For instance, some of our volunteers offer support by:
🍪 Making cookies or other baked goods
✉️ Packaging new issues of the Centered News mailers
😊 Offering a friendly face and greeting guests at the front desk

Regardless of their job, all our volunteers are trained and play a crucial role in the success of the Family Caregivers Center and all other programs within the DeWolf Innovation Center.

Interested in getting involved? Learn how: https://www.dewolfinnovationcenter.org/home/get-involved/

08/27/2026

For our followers in western Iowa, check out "Glow & Grow Session to feature Caregiving Resources & Support" in today's Atlantic News-Telegraph (Page A03) or read it online at:

Atlantic –The Founder and Executive Director of The Chris & Suzy De

08/25/2026

Have you noticed that Family Caregivers Center staff and volunteers are often seen wearing an orange nasturtium flower?

🧡 That's because the orange nasturtium represents victory in struggle. The color orange also signifies joy and creativity, promoting a sense of wellness and emotional energy that is shared through compassion, passion and warmth.

08/21/2026

Did you know the DeWolf Innovation Center is the only known Innovation Center in the U.S. that is connected to a senior living community?

It connects with HallMar Village, a 237-residence senior living community, and provides a unique advantage for residents! Whether they seek volunteer opportunities or attend appointments at the Mercy Center for Memory Health, they have direct access to resources that focus on helping them live fulfilling lives.

Learn more about what the center has to offer:

The Chris & Suzy DeWolf Family Innovation Center for Aging & Dementia in Cedar Rapids, IA, is a place of continuing discovery and implementation of best practices.

08/20/2026

Being a caregiver is a meaningful role, but it often comes with stress, guilt and uncertainty. To help build resilience and reduce stress, we created two free resources for caregivers:

1️⃣ Caregiver Resilience: Strategies for Strength, Flexibility & Balance: A guide to help caregivers manage stress, shift perspective and build resilience.
2️⃣ Caregiver Resilience Toolbox: A quick-reference sheet with practical coping tools.

These resources are designed to support you through difficult moments and remind you that caring for yourself matters, too.

👉 Access both resources here: https://www.dewolfinnovationcenter.org/home/services/trusted-caregiver-articles/caregiver-resilience-strategies-for-strength-flexibility--balanc/

08/18/2026

Through the Family Caregivers Center, we host safe, compassionate support groups for caregivers to connect and share. 🧡

Our recurring support groups include:
• Men’s Caregiver Coffee
• Women’s Caregiver Coffee
• Wednesday Afternoon Caregiver Coffee
• Conversations for Couples
• Life After Caregiving Support Group

Contact our staff by phone, email, or in person to learn more about support groups or to get more information on attending!