An estimated 4.5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.
– 2000 U.S. census
Portals Of Wonder programs help improve cognitive and physiological skills for elderly men and women suffering from Alzheimer’s, dementia and strokes by providing empowerment through the honoring of highlighted moments from their past that they can remember.
Our programs provide frail elderly with much needed socialization. They inspire elderly men and women who have lost cognitive ability from strokes and dementia such as Alzheimer’s Disease to dress up, talk, share, sing, dance, and laugh, as Portals Of Wonder brings them back to the music and wonder of their youth.
We watched as participants, such as Helen, barely able to walk unaided, become inspired to get up and live out her dreams of leading the group in song and dance. Depressed elderly men who would not speak for months, came up to us and were moved to join their peers in the singing and laugher.
These programs rekindle in our youth, pride in the multi-cultural melting pot that makes this country great. We rise to the challenge and privilege of providing our youth with a connection to their elders, to community and to their great American heritage.
When both young and old alike share American cultural arts, ideals and history, youth develop a new appreciation for their elders. And elderly participants are provided with a stroll down memory lane into the charm, romance and ambiance of the golden age of Vaudeville, Tin Pan Alley, Hollywood & Broadway through magic, musical comedy, slapstick mime, song and dance.
Upbeat, fast-paced, and interactive, our on-going vaudeville concert series is anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours in length.