Greg Sanchez from Home Instead presented a check for $10,000 to Deborah Weirick, director of Community and Donor Relations for USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, to support the nonprofit’s newest senior care monthly event, Caregiver’s Night Off on April 7 at the Crescenta-Cañada Family YMCA.

The funding allowed Caregiver’s Night Off to be provided at no cost to attendees through its host organization, the YMCA of the Foothills. Further partnerships with USC Verdugo Hills Hospital’s Community Resource

Center for Aging and Alzheimer’s Los Angeles brought the resources and support needed for those caring for people with early- to mid-stage dementia.

Caregiver’s Night Off is held the first Thursday of every month from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Crescenta-Cañada Family YMCA. Space is limited to 12 registrants. Caregivers enjoy the ability to talk with others about their shared experiences, are provided refreshments and receive tips on self-care as well as participate in activities. Their person with dementia is on-site in a separate area participating in a variety of activities such as art, music, Ping-Pong and others with trained staff and volunteers.

The mission of the YMCA of the Foothills is to organize, develop, finance, and conduct programs for an association of persons of all ages that will, by putting Christian principles into practice, enrich the quality of their lives spiritually, mentally, physically and socially. Individuals can support the cause by visiting ymcafoothills.org

To learn more about Caregiver’s Night Off visit ymcafoothills.org/community.