The Tender Adult Day Center & Caregiver Support Services held its first annual Christmas in July fundraiser on the 19th at Moorestown’s Cambridge Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, an event that included games and giveaways.
“We were just looking for a fun way to connect with the community, do something a little bit different, while still raising awareness for our mission in giving back to those we serve,” said Jessica Curtis, executive director for The Tender.
Located in Mount Laurel, The Tender focuses on social and recreational activities, specifically for individuals with cognitive impairment. The nonprofit was created with the sole purpose of providing for the specialized needs of seniors and their caregivers.
Along with social activities, services include nutrition and respite for caregivers. Curtis has been with The Tender for a little over a year.
“I’ve always felt very passionate about working with seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia and just being able to help support their families through this journey, and still connecting with their loved ones throughout the experience,” she said.
Bratton Law Group, Marquis Health Consulting Services and Vitality Hospice and Palliative Care sponsored the July 19 event that featured vendors such as Mechanical Brewery, a visit from Santa and a candy cane hunt.
Guests were encouraged to bring a gift to put under the Christmas tree for two free raffle tickets.
“We had asked for donations for things that we could use here at the day center,” Curtis explained. “Anything from paper products to hand soap to dish soap and things like that are all helpful for us to just make sure that we can maintain the day-to-day program activities here.”
The Tender also focuses on socialization, creative expression and cognitive engagement. A weekly support group provides community, education and support to caregivers, and the nonprofit believes in enabling people with Alzheimer’s disease/dementia and frail seniors to age in place with dignity by providing them with services that foster independence.
Curtis said she hopes Christmas in July will raise more awareness about The Tender.
“ … I think (it’s) really just having fun and also learning more about how The Tender supports the local community, how people can refer to us and the benefits of our different programs to (the) clients,” she noted.
Curtis described how the center help patients and their caregivers.
“It’s really touching to see someone who has really kind of lost some of that social ability … to come in and just form new friendships and enjoy new programs,” she said. “And seeing the light brought back into their eyes is really rewarding.”
