Westways - James L. West Alzheimer Center

Westways | Spring 2012
Dear Friends,
Happy New Year and welcome to Westways!
This issue is dedicated to you—our friends
and neighbors who have given your precious
time and resources this year, to help north
Texans who suffer from dementia disorders,
and their families. We are truly blessed by
your generosity.
Our long-time friends will notice that
Westways has a new look. Our fresh look
comes at a time when we are taking a fresh
approach to mission and outreach. We know that the need for West
Center care in our community is great, and this issue highlights our
efforts to share our skills with a wider group of people than ever
before. As our nation’s resources shrink and the numbers of persons
with dementia grow, caregivers are looking to organizations like ours,
to provide support. This issue highlights two such programs:
Thanks to a generous grant from the Sid Richardson Foundation, we
are now offering Comprehensive Caregiver Training, an in-depth, handson
training series designed for family members caring for a loved one
at home. A second offering, “Taking Action on Alzheimer’s” is a singlesession
program designed to provide community groups a better
understanding of the disease. Gifts to this program will ensure that this
growing need in our community can be met for years to come.
Your gifts to the Senior Adult Day Program allow participants a full day
of fun and socialization, while their caregivers are given a welcome
break from the stresses of caregiving, at home. In this issue, you will
meet volunteer Lisa Wilson Waldron and her dog, Halle Berry. Lisa
received a national award this year, for her long-time dedication to the
elders who attend our day program. Some of you have been dedicated
to our day program for many years, too, and we give thanks for you.
We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to be in Fort Worth, where
warm and enthusiastic benefactors help so many local organizations
flourish. Together, we are creating world-class living in a very special
hometown, and each citizen owes a debt of gratitude to the behind-thescenes
groups that make it all possible. We highlight just a few of our
community partners in our publication this year.
Our work is never complete so we are thankful beyond measure that
you have chosen to be a part of our family. Whether you are a first-time
donor or a long-time supporter, I can assure you that your gifts are
prudently used and greatly appreciated.
Best Wishes for a Healthy and Happy 2012!
Susan Farris
Executive Director
Susan Farris, LNFA
Executive Director
2012 Board of Directors
J.T. Aughinbaugh
Chairman
Dennis R. Johnson
Chair-Elect / Treasurer
Vice Chair Finance
Edward E. Stocker, Jr.
Secretary
Edward C. Lasater
Vice Chair Nominating
Melissa Mitchell
Vice Chair Marketing
William D. Poteet
Vice Chair Development
Mark W. Smith
Vice Chair Facilities
Management
Kirk Millican
Immediate Past Chair
Michael Annis
Susan K. Blue
James Frederick Korth
Ann McKinney
Julie Motheral Patterson
Susan Siegmund
Louis Stripling
Rev. Karl B. Travis
Burch Waldron
M. Bradley Wallace
Diane Madalin-Wright
Harry E. Bartel
Advisor
Eunice West
In Memoriam
It started as a labor of love…for
one month. Twenty five years
later, it is a lasting love affair.
Nearly every Monday, Lisa Wilson Waldron and Halle
Berry arrive at the James L. West Center to entertain
and engage the clients of the Senior Adult Day
Program. A 20-minute show, some Bible study, some
singing and lots of discussions.
Well, not “The” Halle Berry. This Halle is a long-haired
dachshund and she is a born trickster. Before Halle,
there were Gretchen and Hannah, both dachshunds,
two parrots and a cockatoo. All have been taught by
Lisa. “I read books on how to do it. They do a lot of
tricks -- roll over, play dead, jump through a hoop,
open and shut doors, take a bow.”
Lisa, took a bow of her own last year when she was
recognized with the National Adult Day Services
Association’s Volunteer Award at the association’s
annual conference.
“That was a surprise. All this stuff kind of just
happened,” she says. “I got started because the church
needed someone when the Adult Day Program opened
in the First Presbyterian Church gym. They asked me if I
could come by, bring my dog and entertain.
I never stopped coming.”
Starring
Halle Berry
Lisa Waldron A Dogged Volunteer
Halle performs at homeless shelters, elementary
schools and at the prison in Gatesville, Texas, all places
where Lisa volunteers. It was at Gatesville where one of
the prisoners tagged Halle with her name.
Lisa’s last professional venture was in real estate. She
accumulated and sold 21 properties, which enables
her to spend much of her time volunteering. “God has
been so good to me.”
At the James L. West Center, Lisa says she continually
is overjoyed by how much the Adult Day Program
clients want to talk. And talk. “They interact well,”
she says. “They have so much knowledge and history.
Once I get there, I’m so happy; it’s a magical place.
Every time I leave, I hate
it. I’m thinking about how
lucky I am to know them;
they have so much to give to
other people. Mostly love.
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James L. West Alzheimer Center