Caregiver Dad Inspires DCF Grant to Alzheimer's Group

The DCF gives out 15 proactive grants each holiday season.

DCF Board member Andy Schoeff presents a $1,000 grant to Sue Manford of Alzheimer's Support Groups of Southeast Indiana. Photo provided.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - “I knew about Alzheimer's Support Groups of Southeast Indiana due to the loss of my mother who suffered from Alzheimer's. My father was the primary caregiver for my mom, and he was very grateful for the information and support he received from the support group during and after the passing of my mom.”

Those powerful words are from Dearborn Community Foundation Board member Andy Schoeff, who recently recommended a $1,000 DCF grant to the support group.

The grant is part of the Foundation’s annual program, through which each of the organization’s 15 volunteer board members recommends a $1,000 grant. The grants to community organizations that serve Dearborn County residents are funded through Unrestricted Endowment Funds established by donors to meet changing community needs over the years.

A resource group that reaches out is paramount, said Schoeff, explaining the support group gathers monthly to give caregivers a time and place to meet others with similar experiences.

“It is rare to meet anyone today who has not had exposure to Alzheimer's, whether it is a family member or an acquaintance. We, as a community, need to continue to not only pray for a cure for Alzheimer's disease but must also continue to pray for and support the caregivers.”

Alzheimer's Support Groups of Southeast Indiana serves residents of Dearborn, Ohio, Ripley and Switzerland counties. The organization makes contributions from time to time to Alzheimer's research through research entities like Mayo Clinic and IU Foundation. The research organizations provide literature and contacts for assistance and services, said Schoeff.

Alzheimer's Support Groups of Southeast Indiana also offers Caring for a Person with Alzheimer's Disease, an easy-to-use guide from the National Institute on Aging. For reliable information and support 24/7, contact the Alzheimer's Association help line at 1-800-272-3900, he added.

“If you know someone who needs help, please share this information with them, and invite them to attend a support group meeting with you,” said Schoeff. For more information, call the organization at 1-888-422-2691.

Anyone can contribute to an unrestricted endowment at DCF and help make impact grants like the 15 board members are recommending in 2025

For a list of unrestricted endowments and to learn more about the Foundation, call 812-539-4115 or visit the Foundation website at dearborncf.org. If you are interested in contributing to DCF, visit our website’s “Give Now” page to donate online and to learn about other giving options.