ASHEVILLE, N.C.–The SECU Center for MemoryCare held a special event to celebrate the opening of its new facility here. Representatives from SECU Foundation and State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) joined MemoryCare officials and community supporters for the celebration and first-hand look at the beautiful building constructed next door to MemoryCare’s former location.
The member-funded SECU Foundation first announced its support for the initiative in 2016, providing a $1.8 million challenge grant to assist with the construction of the 10,000 square foot center. Former SECU Foundation board members Michael Clements and Dr. Olson Huff attended the opening, sharing the support of SECU members and the Foundation.
Dr. Huff spoke briefly during the event, saying, “MemoryCare’s strong commitment to providing North Carolinians with access to their unique model of comprehensive dementia care services has made a tremendous difference in the lives of thousands of patients and families since they opened their doors 18 years ago. SECU members share that commitment and take great pride in helping MemoryCare further their mission through the Foundation’s grant for a more spacious facility that will extend their reach and fill the growing demand for clinical services, caregiver support, and educational programs.”
MemoryCare remains the only organization in the region that offers a different approach to dementia care, which integrates medical care of the patient with the education and support of family members and caregivers, SECU said. “Their model of service helps patients stay safely in their homes where they are most comfortable, helping reduce the overall cost of healthcare.”
Today, MemoryCare serves more than 4,200 people per year throughout western North Carolina and neighboring states for the treatment and care management of Alzheimer’s and other memory disorders.
At right, from left: Michael Clements, former SECU Foundation board member; Dr. Margaret Noel, MemoryCare founder & director Emerita; Mary Ann Rice, senior vice president of SECU’s Asheville-Biltmore Village branch, and Dr. Olson Huff, former SECU Foundation board member.