Project Present

In 2017, Project Present began its first programming using the application of the arts to create a meaningful difference in the lives of caregivers and individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. 

For the better part of a decade, we have witnessed the impact that applied improv has on not only caregivers but also individuals living with dementia—a win-win situation.

Today, we partner with individuals, families, adult day centers, assisted living communities, senior centers, and other organizations in the greater St. Louis area to strengthen communication, foster creativity, and promote connection.

Project Present provides four types of programming to improve quality of life: 

1. Laugh Labs: Joyful opportunities to connect, create, and boost brain health in a collaborative environment filled with laughter. Participants are part of a creative improv experience where there are no mistakes, all ideas are accepted, and positive energy is abundant.

These 60-minute sessions are offered monthly in numerous locations for older adults, individuals living with dementia, and caregivers.

Participants experience guided group improv activities that engage the mind, a supportive environment, and joyful collaboration. They leave feeling less stress, more joy, connection, and presence.

2. Caregiver Camp: A 4-week intervention to strengthen communication, reduce stress, and build a support system. These (2-hour) sessions are offered on a rolling basis for caregivers supporting a loved one living with dementia.

Participants experience caregiving as a creative process, practical dementia and communication tools and strategies, and guided improv exercises that build flexibility, presence, and confidence.

They leave with reduced stress and greater self-compassion, a stronger sense of connection to their loved one living with dementia, and a caregiver support system.

This evidence-based program was formally evaluated by Washington University in St. Louis and demonstrated significant positive outcomes for caregivers.

3. Support Group Meetings:  A welcoming environment in which we aim to listen, accept, and provide meaningful support and resources to improve the quality of life for caregivers. Project Present offers both in-person and Zoom support group meetings.

Support groups build connection through shared experiences. The 60-minute sessions are offered several times a month for caregivers supporting a loved one living with dementia.

Participants experience facilitated group conversation, a welcoming, supportive environment, and shared experiences and practical resources. They leave feeling more equipped, understood, and more supported on their caregiving journey.

4. Dementia & Communication Presentations: These sessions are for professional caregivers, healthcare providers, and community members and are available upon request and tailored to your organization. 

Participants experience caregiving as a creative process, meaningful communication tools, care strategies, and interaction to encourage application, reflection, and problem-solving. They leave feeling inspired and informed, energized and equipped, and confident and connected.

The mission of Project Present is made possible exclusively through external funding, including grants, donations, and fundraisers. It is important to us that our offerings remain free to participants, particularly those in underserved communities.

Partnering with Give STL Day provides Project Present with an opportunity to extend our reach and visibility to individuals and organizations across greater St. Louis. That visibility and any donations that may come our way enable us to touch more lives in our mission to enhance the quality of life for older adults, caregivers, and individuals living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias.