Citrus Memorial Health Foundation YMCA’s beloved Art from the Heart program is growing—and with good reason. What began in 2018 as a small, volunteer-led initiative in partnership with Coping with Dementia, LLC has grown into a cornerstone of support for individuals with Alzheimer’s and Dementia and for their caregivers.
After a temporary pause due to COVID-19, the program returned strong in 2023. This year, it’s making another leap by expanding services at its Lecanto location and continuing its presence at the Crystal River Engagement Center. The need is clear, and the community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive.
Art from the Heart is essentially a Memory Café—a safe, welcoming space where individuals living with memory loss and their caregivers connect through art and music. These creative experiences help stimulate memories, encourage self-expression and foster meaningful moments of connection. Caregivers also benefit by finding mutual support and learning from others on the same journey.
Currently, the program supports around 30 participants, including caregivers (it’s mandatory for caregivers to attend), across its two sites. With demand growing, the YMCA is now offering an additional day of programming, allowing more families to participate. The Coastal Region Library in Crystal River is also making the program available, calling it Memory Café.
Each expansion reflects a larger truth: this program is meeting a deep and growing need in Citrus County.
“I feel this is a testament to the success of the program and the need we face in our local community,” said Garrett Adkins, the Director of Operations for Citrus YMCA.
“We are proud to play a role and happy to share the blueprint so others can replicate this success.”
Since its inception, the program is estimated to have reached over 100 individuals. Though precise numbers from early years are hard to track, the impact has been clear to anyone who has witnessed the sessions.
New this year is a 30-minute Tai Chi session at the beginning of each gathering. With its focus on breathing and gentle movement, Tai Chi helps ease stress for both patients and caregivers. Thanks to Coping with Dementia, LLC’s generous partnership, all participants now receive YMCA memberships, giving them access to wellness classes after program hours.
As Citrus County’s population continues to age, the need for accessible, supportive services will only grow. Art from the Heart is helping to meet that challenge with compassion, creativity and community partnership.
To support Art from the Heart or any Suncoast Y program, please donate here.
Published Tuesday, May 27, 2025.