The initiative is supported by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and Health Foundation for Western and Central New York to serve caregivers and their care partners living with memory loss.

BUFFALO, NY, December 3, 2024 – Today, Exhale, the Family Caregiver Initiative, in partnership with the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York, announced more than $323,000 in grant funding to 11 arts and culture organizations across Buffalo and the Western New York region to support the development and launch of new memory café programs. With the increase in Americans who have or are expected to have Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in the coming years, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, memory cafés are expanding across the United States and now in WNY, to offer a welcoming and inclusive environment that provides essential support to caregivers and their loved ones. 

Memory cafés are regularly occurring gatherings tailored to bring together caregivers and their care partners living with dementia-related illnesses, including Alzheimer’s, for programming that encourages connection and other life enrichment that can lead to better health and wellbeing for all participants. Replicated worldwide, the memory café model can be offered in a wide range of settings and feature a wide range of programming. 

“Caregivers often share that the demands of appointments, planning and medication schedules can overshadow the heart of their relationship with their loved one,” said Misha Stallworth West, Program Officer for Caregivers at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. “Memory cafés give caregivers and their care partners a space to set those responsibilities aside, even if just for a moment, and to center joy and connection instead. They offer a breath of relief – a place for caregivers and their loved ones to reconnect through shared laughter, art and music, while building mutual support with others on the same journey.” 

The 11 Exhale grant recipients include: Artpark & Company; The Ashford Hollow Foundation; Buffalo History Museum; Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences; Burchfield Penney Art Center; Cradle Beach, Inc.; Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House Corporation; Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York, Inc.; National Comedy Center; Niagara Arts & Cultural Center and Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, Inc. 

“The Health Foundation is proud to collaborate with The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation on Exhale, the Family Caregiver Initiative,” said Nora OBrien-Suric, PhD, President of the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York. “As more people are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, memory cafés can serve a powerful and innovative role in supporting caregivers and the people they care for. Whether through music, art, or even comedy, these special cafés will provide a meaningful respite and an expressive outlet.” 

Memory café programming within arts and cultural institutions offers an opportunity for caregivers to reengage in their interests, while also nurturing their relationship with their loved one. While the focus of the gatherings is not on the illness, activities and programming may benefit overall health, keeping older adult attendees mentally and socially active while also providing a positive, supportive and bonding experience for caregivers of all ages. Memory cafés can also be a conduit to other resources, referrals and networks of caregiver support. 

“The connection between health and art is very important to us at the Burchfield Penney Art Center. Thanks to the generous support of the Ralph Wilson Foundation and the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York, we are proud to offer Memory Café programming, creating meaningful opportunities for individuals experiencing memory loss and their caregivers,” said Kathy Shiroki, Outreach and Adult Programming Educator at Burchfield Penney Art Center. “The positive feedback from participants has been inspiring, and we are committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and creative space where art is a source of comfort, connection and joy.” 

After a scan and survey soliciting interest from art and culture organizations across the region in 2023, these 11 organizations joined Exhale’s Memory Café Collective, an 18-month program designed to provide training and support for participating organizations to plan, implement and sustain vibrant and successful memory cafés. 

With each organization’s memory café plans and concepts completed and grant funding issued, some organizations have already begun roll out their memory café programming — like Café Del Sol at the Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY – and with all programs up and running by early 2025. Participation for caregivers and their care recipients will be completely free of charge for people with memory loss and dementia-related illnesses. 

“Café Del Sol reflects the core mission of the Hispanic Heritage Council by celebrating and preserving our rich cultural heritage while fostering inclusion and community engagement. By offering culturally meaningful music, performances, and activities inspired by the traditions of the Caribbean and Latin America, we provide a supportive space where Spanish-speaking and bilingual individuals who are experiencing memory or cognitive challenges, can connect with loved ones through shared cultural experiences. This initiative strengthens cultural identity, promotes social connection, and honors the legacy of our vibrant Hispanic community,” said Casimiro D. Rodriguez Sr., President of Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY 

The funding is structured to give each organization the investment needed to not only ensure a strong launch, but also provide a foundation for these memory cafés to thrive over the coming year and beyond with guidance from Exhale on long-term sustainability. 

Exhale’s Memory Café initiative is part of the organization’s expanding network of caregiver respite programs across Southeast Michigan and Western New York. First launched in 2019, Exhale is an opportunity for businesses and organizations to work together to find innovative solutions that provide local caregivers an opportunity to breathe a little easier. To date, Exhale has helped 135 partner organizations create 38 caregiver respite projects in New York and Michigan. 

To learn more about Exhale and the Exhale Memory Café Collective initiative, visit www.exhaleforcaregivers.org. 

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About Exhale 

Exhale – The Family Caregiver Initiative funds innovative collaborative projects that are reimagining respite and increasing respite opportunities for family caregivers of older adults. Respite, a period of rest or relief, can play a key role in reinforcing caregiver well-being and effectiveness, leading to better health, social-emotional outcomes, and lower costs of care for family caregivers and older adults they care for. Read more about Exhale at www.exhaleforcaregivers.org. 

About Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation 

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is a grantmaking organization dedicated primarily to sustained investment in the quality of life of the people of Southeast Michigan and Western New York. The two areas reflect Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.’s devotion to his hometown of Detroit and greater Buffalo, home of his Buffalo Bills franchise. Prior to his passing in 2014, Mr. Wilson requested that a significant share of his estate be used to continue his life-long generosity of spirit by funding the Foundation that bears his name. Based in Detroit, the Foundation has a grantmaking capacity of $1.2 billion over a 20-year period, which expires January 8, 2035. This structure is consistent with Mr. Wilson’s desire for the Foundation’s impact to be immediate, substantial, measurable and overseen by those who knew him best. For more information, visit www.rcwjrf.org. 

Health Foundation for Western & Central New York 

The Health Foundation for Western & Central New York is an independent private foundation that advocates for continuous improvement in health and health care by investing in the people and organizations that serve young children and older adults. For more information, visit www.hfwcny.org. 

Media Contact: 
Maura Trigilio
Crowley Webb for Exhale 
maura.trigilio@crowleywebb.com, 716.856.2932 

Leveraging more than $2 million in grant funding, the program will bring together teams of 50 local organizations to create respite opportunities for family caregivers of older adults 

DETROIT, MI, October 8, 2024 – Exhale – The Family Caregiver Initiative announced today funding for 11 new respite programs across Southeast Michigan made up of partnerships among 50 organizations. Nearly $2.2 million will be distributed to support collaborative projects that are reimagining respite (a period of rest) and offering innovative solutions that give family caregivers the opportunity to breathe a little easier. 

Grants were awarded to 11 lead organizations that partnered with other local organizations to develop projects that will increase access to respite services and enhance families’ wellbeing in Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties. Read about each team at ExhaleForCaregivers.org. 

“Each project team has their own creative idea that will allow family caregivers an opportunity to rest, recharge, and attend to their own wellbeing,” said Misha Stallworth West, program officer for caregivers of older adults, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. “With more than 1.7 million family caregivers in Michigan—44 percent residing in Southeast Michigan—the need for respite projects is significant.” 

These new respite projects will launch in early 2025 and include support groups, educational workshops, respite expos, community engagement activities, and more. For example, one team is hosting a support group and workshops about financial management, meditation, and family dynamics. Another team is funding caregivers to attend relevant camps and retreats. 

“When caregivers are asked about the help they need most, they consistently rank respite among their top priorities. Increasing opportunities for caregivers to take a break will improve their – and their loved ones’ – quality of life, and also benefit their loved ones,” said Neel Hajra, chief executive officer, Michigan Health Endowment Fund. “That’s why we’re excited to help dozens more organizations in Southeast Michigan expand and strengthen the network of respite supports.” 

The projects are kicking off on the heels of the first two Exhale cohorts, which began in 2020 and 2022 with 90 partner organizations that created 16 successful caregiver respite projects in Western New York and Washtenaw County, Michigan. Exhale evaluators at The New York Academy of Medicine’s Center for Evaluation and Applied Research distributed a survey to 96 caregivers who were recipients of the first cohort’s projects and found that 98 percent of caregivers reported having new resources to support them and felt better supported because of increased access to respite services. Ninety-four percent of respondents reported having new opportunities for taking a break from caregiving because of an Exhale project. 

The evaluator’s qualitative findings included testimonials that spoke to the impact of the projects on the well-being of family caregivers of older adults. One caregiver in Washtenaw County said: “In the beginning, I was really hesitant to say it was for me, a break from family….I feel like the break makes me a little bit more patient with my mom when we do spend time together, so then, that helps my wellbeing.” 

The Exhale model lends itself to collaboration and partnership, which can be instrumental to projects’ successes. One grantee stated: “I think all of the partnerships in this are so positive and robust. Everybody’s really invested in us being successful, and so, that alone helps with sustainability, because you don’t have just one person figuring out how we keep this going, you have multiple, all the partners looking at, ‘Okay, this is really good, how do we continue to build, how do we grow, and then, how do we expand, and then how do we keep it going?’ ” 

Earlier this year, in preparation for this program, Exhale hosted information sessions, which attracted more than 200 participants. These sessions led to a series of workshops where participants received training in creative problem solving and other areas of technical assistance, as well as stipends for participation. Participation in the workshops led to new collaborations and partnerships, enabling organizations to put together their project ideas and plans. 

In Southeast Michigan, Exhale is made possible by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation. Exhale is managed by The Philanthropic Initiative (TPI) with support from Teresa Lawrence, president, International Deliverables. Exhale was first established in the Southern Tier region of New York in 2019, and since has expanded across the nine counties of Western New York, and the seven counties of Southeast Michigan through the generous support of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York, and the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation. To date (prior to the 2024 awards), 90 partner organizations have created 16 successful caregiver respite projects in New York and Michigan. Read more about them and the 2024 grantee cohort at ExhaleForCaregivers.org. 

About Exhale 

Exhale – The Family Caregiver Initiative funds innovative collaborative projects that are reimagining respite and increasing respite opportunities for family caregivers of older adults. Respite, a period of rest or relief, can play a key role in reinforcing caregiver well-being and effectiveness, leading to better health, social-emotional outcomes, and lower costs of care for family caregivers and older adults they care for. Read more about Exhale at ExhaleForCaregivers.org. 

About Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation 

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is a grantmaking organization dedicated primarily to sustained investment in the quality of life of the people of Southeast Michigan and Western New York. The two areas reflect Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.’s devotion to his hometown of Detroit and greater Buffalo, home of his Buffalo Bills franchise. Prior to his passing in 2014, Mr. Wilson requested that a significant share of his estate be used to continue his life-long generosity of spirit by funding the Foundation that bears his name. Based in Detroit, the Foundation has a grantmaking capacity of $1.2 billion over a 20-year period, which expires January 8, 2035. This structure is consistent with Mr. Wilson’s desire for the Foundation’s impact to be immediate, substantial, measurable and overseen by those who knew him best. For more information visit www.rcwjrf.org. 

About Michigan Health Endowment Fund 

The Michigan Health Endowment Fund works to improve the health and wellness of Michigan residents and reduce the cost of healthcare, with a special focus on children and older adults. For more information about the Health Fund and its grantmaking, visit mihealthfund.org. 

Detroit, MI (June 11, 2024) – Stephanie Comai has joined the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation as a senior program officer supporting the development and implementation of grantmaking strategies for the Foundation’s Young Adults and Working Families portfolio and initiative-level work across Southeast Michigan and Western New York.

Comai is a seasoned leader in developing and managing workforce development programs whose extensive background includes holding the position of chief of staff to the president at Washtenaw Community College until 2019, serving as deputy director of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and serving as the first director of the Michigan Talent Investment Agency. In this role, she and her team launched new efforts to help broaden career options for young people interested in careers in the skilled trades.

“Stephanie’s dedication to achieving positive, measurable outcomes for communities in Southeast Michigan is evident in her track record of building partnerships and driving innovative initiatives,” said David O. Egner, president & CEO, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. “Stephanie’s passion for empowering young adults and working families aligns perfectly with the Foundation’s mission, making her an asset to both of our grantmaking regions.”

Comai holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Michigan and a Master of Public Administration from George Washington University.

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ABOUT THE RALPH C. WILSON, JR. FOUNDATION:

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is a grantmaking organization dedicated primarily to sustained investment in the quality of life of the people of Southeast Michigan and Western New York. The two areas reflect the devotion of Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. to his hometown of Detroit and greater Buffalo, home of his beloved Buffalo Bills NFL team. Prior to his passing in 2014, Mr. Wilson provided that a significant share of his estate be used to continue a life-long generosity of spirit by funding the Foundation that bears his name. Based in Detroit, the Foundation began with a grantmaking capacity of $1.2 billion over a 20-year period, which expires January 8, 2035. This structure is consistent with Mr. Wilson’s desire for the Foundation’s impact to be immediate, substantial, measurable, and overseen by those who knew him best. For more information visit www.rcwjrf.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Carly Strachan

313.460.8100

Carly.Strachan@RCWJRF.org

 Foundation adds Gary Stark, Sarah Truax, Sheila O’Hara, Faye Radcliffe, and Danielle Wilder- Hamilton to the staff; and promotes Nena Taormino 

 Detroit, MI – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation today announced the addition of five new staff members in 2023. The new hires and positions include Gary Stark, director of grant operations; Sarah Truax, learning associate; Faye Radcliffe, program executive assistant; Danielle Wilder-Hamilton, executive assistant; and Sheila O’Hara, office manager. These new hires bring the Foundation’s full-time staff total to 27 employees. The Foundation also announced the promotion of Nena Taormino from grants management & operations assistant to the role of grants management associate. 

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Interested Exhale participants can now register for December and January program launch events

Detroit, MI, November 13, 2023 – Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and the Michigan Health Endowment Fund announced today a $3.7 million commitment to expand Exhale – the Family Caregiver Initiative in Southeast Michigan.

Exhale funds and supports innovative, collaborative projects that are reimagining respite and increasing respite opportunities for family caregivers of older adults. The program has operated since 2019, primarily working with organizations and businesses in New York state, and will now make grants, totaling $3.7 million, to organizations, communities, and businesses located in Wayne, Monroe, St. Clair, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston, and Washtenaw counties. The decision to launch the program widely in Southeast Michigan is on the heels of Exhale’s most recent cohort, which includes three grantees in Washtenaw County: Chelsea Senior Center, The Regents of the University of Michigan, and Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels.

“Exhale’s growth over the past four years has been tremendous, thanks in large part to the organizations that are coming together to reimagine respite through strategic partnerships and creative ideas,” said Amber Slichta, vice president and programs and learning, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. “Project teams, including those in Washtenaw County, are helping to improve family caregivers’ well-being, which can lead to better health and lower costs of care.”

For example, Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels provides in-home caregiver respite, chore support, home modifications, and clinical occupational therapy (for older adult care recipients); The Regents of the University of Michigan started the Washtenaw Support Network for Caregivers, which provides a variety of respite opportunities, including in-home care, day care, educational programs, outings, care consultations, and more; and Chelsea Senior Center hosts Ease the Day, an onsite social model of respite, which includes meaningful and purposeful physical, cognitive, and social engagement, in Chelsea – a town with more than 30% of its residents over the age of 65.

A 2021 scan of family and informal caregiver suports conducted by the University of Michigan’s Center for Health and Research Transformation estimated that Michigan is home to more than 1.7 million family caregivers, with 44% residing in Southeast Michigan.

“When caregivers are asked about the help they need most, they consistently rank respite among their top priorities. Increasing opportunities for caregivers to take a break will improve their quality of life,” said Neel Hajra, chief executive officer, Michigan Health Endowment Fund. “That’s why we’re excited to join with the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation to launch the Exhale initiative in Southeast Michigan to help organizations in the region expand and strengthen the network of respite supports.”

Exhale is an opportunity for organizations, communities, and businesses of all sizes to work together to create innovative, community-based solutions that provide caregivers with an opportunity to breathe a little easier. Through a short series of workshops, organizations based in eligible Southeast Michigan counties and interested in developing caregiver respite projects and increasing access to respite services will receive free training in creative problem solving, the opportunity to connect with other organizations, and support throughout the grant application process. Each organization will receive a $500 stipend for workshop participation. Upon completing the workshop series, participants will be eligible to apply for Exhale funding. The workshop series begins January 25, 2024.

Exhale is hosting two virtual information sessions to kick off its 2024 Southeast Michigan program. These sessions will provide attendees with an overview of the Exhale program; information about the grant application process, including eligibility requirements; and the opportunity to hear from current Exhale grantees. They will be held on Tuesday, December 12 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. EST and Monday, January 8 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. EST.

The opportunity to expand Exhale throughout Southeast Michigan is made possible by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, with additional outreach support provided by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Exhale is managed by The Philanthropic Initiative (TPI) with support from Teresa Lawrence, president, International Deliverables. Exhale was first established in the Southern Tier region of New York in 2019, and since has expanded across the nine counties of Western New York, and Washtenaw County, Michigan through the generous support of Ralph C. Wilson Foundation, the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York, and the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation. To date, 90 partner organizations have created 16 successful caregiver respite projects in New York and Michigan. Read more about them at ExhaleforCaregivers.org.

Registration is now open for the workshop series, the December 12 information session, and the January 8 information session. Learn more about Exhale at ExhaleForCaregivers.org or contact Lisa Simon at LSimon@tpi.org.

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About Exhale

Exhale – the Family Caregiver Initiative, funds innovative collaborative projects that are reimagining respite and increasing respite opportunities for family caregivers of older adults. Respite, a period of rest or relief, can play a key role in reinforcing caregiver well-being and effectiveness, leading to better health, social-emotional outcomes, and lower costs of care for family caregivers and older adults they care for. Read more about Exhale at ExhaleForCaregivers.org.

About Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is a grantmaking organization dedicated primarily to sustained investment in the quality of life of the people of Southeast Michigan and Western New York. The two areas reflect Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.’s devotion to his hometown of Detroit and greater Buffalo, home of his Buffalo Bills franchise. Prior to his passing in 2014, Mr. Wilson requested that a significant share of his estate be used to continue his life-long generosity of spirit by funding the Foundation that bears his name. Based in Detroit, the Foundation has a grantmaking capacity of $1.2 billion over a 20-year period, which expires January 8, 2035. This structure is consistent with Mr. Wilson’s desire for the Foundation’s impact to be immediate, substantial, measurable and overseen by those who knew him best. For more information visit www.rcwjrf.org.

About the Michigan Health Endowment Fund

The Michigan Health Endowment Fund works to improve the health and wellness of Michigan residents and reduce the cost of healthcare, with a special focus on children and older adults. For more information about the Health Fund and its grantmaking, visit www.mihealthfund.org.

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The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation today announced the addition of five new staff members in 2022. The new hires include two new program associates: Connie Kuo and Kate Partington; a communications associate: Mercedes Pergande; a senior learning officer: Liz Gordillo; and a grants management & operations assistant: Nena Taormino. These new hires bring the Foundation’s full-time staff total to 24 employees. The Foundation […]

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The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation today announced the appointment of Monique Wells and Dr. Thomasina R. Stenhouse as non-trustee members of the Foundation’s Program Committee. The committee, currently comprised of the Foundation’s three life trustees and three at-large trustees, reviews grant requests and provides strategic direction for the Foundation’s programmatic investments prior to final board […]

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The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation seeks to contract a firm or team of evaluators to conduct a summative evaluation of the Foundation’s Parks, Trails, and Green Design (PTGD) focus area. The objectives of the evaluation are 1) to document the grantmaking and non-grantmaking processes to date and analyze the associated outcomes of those efforts; and 2) to develop an evaluation plan to continue monitoring the progress of PTGD initiatives, including identifying metrics to measure outcomes…

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The program will bring together teams of local organizations to create respite opportunities for family caregivers of older adults

BUFFALO, NY, September 6, 2022 – Exhale, the Family Caregiver Initiative, which funds innovative collaborative projects that are reimagining and increasing respite opportunities for family caregivers of older adults, announced today that 12 new grantees have been selected to kick-off its 2022 program. The grantees include Western New York’s Catholic Health Continuing Care Foundation, YMCA Buffalo Niagara, Cradle Beach, Inc., Healthy Alternatives Through Healings Arts (HAHA), Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers, American Cancer Society, St. John’s Home Foundation, Lifespan of Greater Rochester, Inc., United Way of Orleans County along with Regents of the University of Michigan – Silver Club, Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels and Chelsea Senior Center, which are based in Washtenaw County, MI.

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