Everett families caring for a loved one with dementia will soon have a new option for daytime support.

Volunteers of America Western Washington is opening an Old Friends Club location at the Carl Gipson Center on Tuesday, Sept. 1, offering structured social programming for people with early- to mid-stage dementia and five hours of respite for their caregivers.

The program will meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the center, located at 3025 Lombard Ave. Each session can accommodate up to 12 members.

Participants will socialize, do guided exercise, and make art during the five-hour sessions, according to a VOAWW announcement published Thursday, July 30.

The Everett site is the organization's second Old Friends Club location; the first already operates at the Lynnwood Neighborhood Center on Mondays and Wednesdays.

The need is significant. The Alzheimer's Association estimates that more than 13,000 individuals and their families in Snohomish County are living with dementia. Nationally, one in nine Americans over 65 has the condition, a proportion projected to rise to nearly one in seven by 2045.

Kristi Myers, VOAWW's interim CEO, said in the announcement that her family's experience shaped her view of the program. "When my mother was living with Alzheimer's, our family experienced firsthand the challenges of dementia," Myers said. "Having a program like Old Friends Club for her to have fun, stay active and engaged while giving us some time to reset and recharge would have been a godsend."

Program Coordinator Elias Coblentz, who oversees both locations, said the goal is helping members remain engaged, socialize, and laugh while giving caregivers meaningful time to recharge.

The Carl Gipson Center already partners with the Alzheimer's Association, the City of Everett, Homage, and Snohomish County Human Services. VOAWW operates the center as a membership-based community hub for adults 50 and older, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and families.

Families interested in enrolling can contact Coblentz at (425) 232-6002 or email [email protected] for details on fees and availability.