Project Present

In 2017, Project Present began its first programming using the application of the arts to create a meaningful difference in the lives of caregivers and individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. 

For the better part of a decade, we have witnessed the impact that applied improv has on not only caregivers but also individuals living with dementia—a win-win situation.

Today, we partner with individuals, families, adult day centers, assisted living communities, senior centers, and other organizations in the greater St. Louis area to strengthen communication, foster creativity, and promote connection.

Project Present provides four types of programming to improve quality of life: 

Improv Sessions: Joyful opportunities to connect, create, and collaborate in an environment filled with laughter. Participants are part of a creative experience where there are no mistakes, all ideas are accepted, and positive energy is abundant.

Dementia & Communication Training: Sessions designed to positively enhance the practice of caring for an individual living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias through strengthening communication practices and acquiring new tools, strategies, and resources.

Support Group Meetings:  A welcoming environment in which we aim to listen, accept, and provide meaningful support and resources to improve the quality of life for caregivers. Project Present offers both in-person and Zoom support group meetings. 

Applied Improv Program for Caregivers: A four week course that teaches caregivers the guidelines of applied improvisation and communication strategies to navigate the journey of caring for an individual living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. We offer a unique set of tools to communicate effectively, share techniques to handle challenging situations, and provide strategies to reduce stress. We focus on caregivers taking care of themselves and building systems of support. This program is currently being researched in a pilot program by Dr. Carpenter's Lab at Washington University.

The mission of Project Present is made possible exclusively through external funding, including grants, donations, and fundraisers. It is important to us that our offerings remain free to participants, particularly those in underserved communities.

Partnering with Give STL Day provides Project Present with an opportunity to extend our reach and visibility to individuals and organizations across greater St. Louis. That visibility and any donations that may come our way enable us to touch more lives in our mission to enhance the quality of life for older adults, caregivers, and individuals living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias.