In July we began our new fiscal year, one that marks the beginning of our 25th year of existence. We’ve come a long way since we opened our doors in Berkeley in 1989. From welcoming just 15 participants at the beginning, we now provide services for hundreds of families facing the challenge of memory loss. ASEB is at a crossroads on its journey, and I am using this occasion to meditate on where we’ve been and where we’re going, on what it means to serve a community with such diverse needs, on what we need to do stay on course, and on the steps we need to take to make sure we can continue to provide a safe, caring, and stimulating environment for our participants, and a source of respite and information for caregivers.
We’re marking this 25th anniversary with a new look, a new name, a re-commitment to our core values, and a re-visioning of the way we operate. In September we’re unveiling our new logo, which makes official the name by which we’ve come to be known: ASEB. Officially, we are still Alzheimer’s Services of the East Bay, but as our logo reflects, we’re more than that, much more. As the needs of our community change, we’re dealing with people experiencing many forms of memory loss, as well as other cognitive challenges. Our doors are open to a range of individuals: those younger than 65, military veterans who have special long-term needs, individuals and their families who are looking for guidance in negotiating the labyrinth of mental health social services. People in the field and the community know us as ASEB, and we’re embracing that moniker and the reputation we’ve built around it. So watch our website next month for the new logo, and for the new programs, events, and services we’ll be rolling out throughout our anniversary year.
Beginning in September, we will offer a Care Management/Family Support Program that will assist caregivers with a long-term plan tailored to the personal needs of each family. This comprehensive service provides a single care coordinator who will help families assess their needs in looking after a loved one with memory loss, connecting them with appropriate services, and coordinating all aspects of that individual’s care. ASEB offers its experience and expertise at prices that are substantially below those offered by other organizations. Click here for more information, or call our program director at 510-644-8292.
We will also be rolling out a series of events to bring community, donors, and ASEB staff together so that we can get acquainted, learn from each other, and forge new partnerships. Watch our website for our open houses, smaller gatherings at venues throughout the area, and get-togethers that will give donors and caregivers a chance to become better acquainted. We will also be holding orientations for all of our caregivers. We hope these events will encourage you to share your concerns, to exchange ideas, and to better understand how we can put our combined efforts to the most effective use.
Finally, I want to reassure all of you that, despite the obstacles we’ve encountered this year with the state budget crisis and the transition to the CBAS program, ASEB is still strong, still passionate about its mission, and constantly looking for ways to make sure we thrive no matter what roadblocks are thrown up on our way. As we stand at this crossroads, we’re embracing the heart and spirit of our past and, at the same time, opening ourselves to the challenges of the future. This is an opportunity, and we intend to take full advantage of it.
One part of our logo remains the same: Life is a journey we know by heart. This is true on so many levels. As we embark on the next leg of our trip, I hope you will join us. I invite you to share our path, to add your efforts to ours, and to see where the next 25 years take us.
With warm thanks for your support,
Micheal Pope
Executive Director
ASEB