Lean on Me: Support at The Brainerd Center

Support is providing help, encouragement, or resources that make someone or something stronger, safer, or more able to succeed.

Here are some common ways it shows up:

Emotional support: Offering care, listening, encouragement, or comfort — like being there for a friend during a hard time.

Practical support: Helping in tangible ways — giving rides, volunteering, donating, sharing skills, or pitching in on tasks.

Moral or community support: Standing behind a person, cause, or organization — showing approval, advocacy, or participation.

In a community setting like The Brainerd Center, “support” often means:

• Volunteers giving their time

• Members showing up and participating

• Donors and partners helping fund programs

• Staff creating a welcoming, safe environment

All of it works together to help people thrive. Support is the collective effort of volunteers, members, community partners, and organizations that work together to create connection, opportunity, and belonging. The Center is lucky to have those partnerships and be able to offer them to our members and our community. Here are a few examples of offerings that align with our mission of supporting adults 45+ by building community, encouraging growth, and creating opportunities to live life fully.

Still We Sing: A Memory Choir for People Living with Dementia

Still We Sing, our new memory choir for people living with dementia and their care partners, had its first meeting on January 20, 2026, at The Center in Brainerd. The morning was filled with singing, laughs, and infectious joy. This group meets every Tuesday from 10:00 to 11:30 in our Craft Room and there is no cost to participate.

Grief Support

Vivie is continuing their popular Navigating Your Grief monthly support group here at the Center, starting January 22nd. This gathering will be held on the fourth Thursday of each month from 2 – 3:30 p.m. Participants will meet in our Board Room.

No one should have to face grief alone. This group offers a safe, caring space to share, listen, and find support with others who understand. Whether your loss is recent or years past, you are welcome. Call Trisha Zimmerman, LSW, at (320) 759-4935 with any questions.

This group meets every second Friday of the month from 2:00-3:00 in our third-floor conference room. The Alzheimer’s Association Dementia Caregiver’s Group (often called a caregiver support group) is a free, in-person, supportive gathering designed for family members and friends who are caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.

What it is

• It’s a safe, confidential space where caregivers can talk with others who understand what they’re going through.

• Meetings are facilitated by trained volunteer leaders from the Alzheimer’s Association.

• Caregivers can share feelings, ask questions, learn practical tips, and get emotional support from peers and facilitators.

Purpose

The main goals of these caregiver groups are to:

• Provide emotional support from others facing similar challenges.

• Offer practical caregiving strategies and insights.

• Help caregivers feel less isolated and more empowered in their journey.

If you have any questions about either group, contact Becky or Trina in the admin office.

Memory Cafe

Memory Café is an opportunity for caregivers and their loved ones with memory issues to come together for a learning/entertainment session. This group meets in our Great Room on the second Tuesday of every month at 10:30 am. During the second half of this session, caregivers break off into their own group, and those with memory issues get to connect and have their own support group. This gathering is led by Kent, Teresia, Angelique, and other community members. If you have any questions about either group, contact Becky or Trina in the admin office.

The Lakes Area Memory Awareness Advocates (LAMAA)

The Lakes Area Memory Awareness Advocates (LAMAA) is excited to introduce Memory Makers Kits. These kits are designed to help caregivers and families connect through reminiscence, conversation, and storytelling. Each of the 10 themed kits — such as baking, child raising, gardening, fishing, hunting, and needlecraft — contains items meant to spark memories and encourage engagement.

Using the kit is simple: explore the items together and ask open-ended questions like, “Have you ever used something like this before?” or “What does this remind you of?” There’s no right or wrong way to use the kits — each experience is unique and personal.

These kits are in the lobby area and must be checked out at the front desk. LAMAA has also been kind enough to donate several dementia/Alzheimer’s-related books for caregivers to check out from our lending library. Big thanks to LAMAA for their support!

One More Thing

Did you know that a yearly membership to The Center is only $25? Our members enjoy dozens of free activities, gatherings, and events that are all designed for Active Aging. Our Mission: encouraging mature adults to engage in healthy living, socialization, life-long learning, and community connections. It’s also a great way to socialize and enjoy some camaraderie. Stop by The Center for more information or to become one of our cherished members today! Click the image to become a member online or stop by 803 Kingwood Street, Brainerd MN, to sign up soon.

The Brainerd Center is a vibrant community hub in Brainerd, Minnesota, dedicated to enriching the lives of mature adults through healthy living, socialization, lifelong learning, and meaningful community connections. Offering a wide variety of activities, including exercise classes, games, entertainment, volunteer opportunities, a gift shop, and its famous Thursday donuts, The Center provides members and visitors alike with opportunities for fun, friendship, learning, and active engagement in a welcoming environment.