New Social Program Opens for Chicago Dementia Patients
The nonprofit offers twice-weekly gatherings in Beverly to support adults with dementia and their caregivers.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Alzheimer’s
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The nonprofit organization EngAGE Beverly has launched a series of twice-weekly gatherings at Bethany Union Church for adults living with dementia. The program offers cognitive exercises and social activities designed to support both participants and their primary caregivers.
Why it matters
Local resources for dementia care often prioritize clinical settings, but this program focuses on dignity-based social engagement to help address the need for community interaction. It also aims to provide needed respite for family members who act as primary caregivers.
The organization's inaugural sessions hosted four participants, with membership costs structured at $675 for October enrollees versus $800 for later sign-ups. Future capacity and expansion plans remain to be determined.
The players
Julie Singler
The founder of EngAGE Beverly who established the nonprofit to provide local social resources for adults with dementia.
Old Friends Club
A Seattle-based organization that serves as an affiliate for the new Chicago-based program.
Bethany Union Church
The local Chicago church serving as the host facility for the dementia-focused gatherings.
The details
The program utilizes themed discussions and structured social activities to facilitate meaningful interactions for participants. Facilitators and volunteers lead these sessions to provide a supportive environment that serves as a temporary respite for primary caregivers. These sessions take place at the Bethany Union Church facility in Beverly.
Timeline
The inaugural weekly gatherings took place last week.
Founding member enrollment at the $675 monthly rate is available throughout October 2026.
Health Landscape
This program reflects a growing trend in dementia care that emphasizes social engagement and community-based support outside of clinical or medicalized environments. It extends the Old Friends Club model of dementia social centers into the Chicago area to fill local service gaps.
Families seeking alternatives to traditional clinical day-programs may consider whether these social-focused gatherings meet their specific care needs. Discuss with a physician whether structured social environments are appropriate for a loved one's current stage of cognitive decline.
The takeaway
EngAGE Beverly provides a community-based alternative for individuals living with dementia. Families looking for local support should evaluate whether the program's focus on social engagement aligns with their caregiving goals.
Further reading
For more on managing care and finding support, visit Alzheimer’s.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Block Club Chicago.
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Do you believe community-led support programs are a better solution for dementia care than institutional facilities?
