Opening Minds Through Art - Reception and Art Show
Opening Minds through Art (OMA) is an internationally recognized arts program designed for those living with dementia and other cognitive concerns. It invites volunteers to pair up with these persons (the artists) and guide them through a process of creating various abstract art projects. Some of the goals of OMA include: learning about abstract artists and creating abstract art, building positive rapport between the volunteer and the artist, and offering time to engage in the creative process with autonomy and fun.
Please join us for an Opening Reception and Art Show featuring the works of these individuals who have completed the program! Artists will have their art on display during the reception, and many of the artists will be present.
WHEN: Wednesday, April 29, 2026 from 10:30am - 12:00pm
WHERE: VPAS, 985 S. High Street, Harrisonburg, VA
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call 540.471.5633
Another Successful Confident Caregiver Conference
November 5, 2025 - More than 130 caregivers, aging services leaders, and volunteers gathered for the 5th Annual VPAS Confident Caregiver Conference at Blue Ridge Community College on Wed., Nov. 5, 2025. This year's dynamic event began with lively interaction at our Resource Fair, where representatives from 20 organizations shared about their services with attendees.
Following the Resource Fair, the keynote speaker, revisionary gerontologist Sonya Barsness, helped attendees see caregiving through a different lens with her presentation on Person-Centered Care. (To download the presentation, click here.) Conference participants continued their learning journey with sessions on dementia resources, home health and safety, self-care, and more. They participated in a group abstract Opening Minds through Art project, felt the stress melt away with chair massages, and learned about the difference between healing and curing during a unique music therapy presentation.
As the time together drew to a close, VPAS team members shared about the extensive VPAS programs available for older adults and their caregivers in our area, then finished the day with an exciting round of door prizes.
Admission to the conference, which included lunch, was completely
free for all attendees, thanks to these generous sponsors:
Blue Ridge Community College
Bridgewater Retirement Community
Clark & Bradshaw
Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge
VMRC
Visiting Angels of the Shenandoah Valley
First Bank
Meadowcrest Audiology
Kendal at Lexington
Brookdale Senior Living
Right at Home
Legacy Hospice
Valley Care Management
Care is There
Sunnyside Retirement Community
Summit Square Retirement Community
First Choice Home Health and Hospice
VPAS Awarded Groundbreaking Grant to Launch Respite Center
November 10, 2025 - Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS), the local area agency on aging, was awarded a USAging seed grant of nearly $50,000 to fund a respite center for older adults living with dementia and their caregivers.
The Innovative Caregiver Services Grant was one of only eight awarded nationwide by USAging, the national association representing and supporting the network of Area Agencies on Aging.
VPAS will work with local partners to establish an 18-month pilot respite program called “The Gathering Place” in Waynesboro. The Gathering Place is a volunteer-driven program designed to provide caregivers much-needed respite while offering those living with dementia high quality engagement and person-centered activities.
This respite program is a collaborative effort between VPAS, Greater Augusta Coalition against Adult Abuse (GACAAA) and life plan/assisted living communities and similar organizations in the Staunton, Augusta and Waynesboro (SAW) area.
“This grant will allow us to create a win-win-win opportunity for those living with dementia, their caregivers, and local residents seeking meaningful volunteer work,” said VPAS Executive Director, Beth Bland. “The Gathering Place will provide caregivers with a much-needed break while their loved ones enjoy valuable social connection and volunteer-led activities, increasing their ability to age in place. And, it will give these families access to the education, resources and support they need on their journey,” she added.
The Gathering Place will be open on Wednesdays beginning in mid-November at VPAS Waynesboro Senior Services. Families do not need to reside in the SAW area to participate. VPAS staff will provide screenings to ensure eligibility. The cost to participate is $20 for up to two hours or $40 for up to four hours of respite. Scholarships may be available. For more information about how to register, contact Joyce Nussbaum, VPAS Program Director, at 540.615.5341.
This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial award totaling $49,610.92 with 56% percentage funded by ACL/HHS and $38,964.80 and 44% percentage funded by non-government source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
Maury River Pickers and Singers Christmas Concert
Get into the holly jolly spirit with help from the Pickers and Singers from Maury River Senior Services! Their Christmas concert is on December 12th at 12:00 noon and is free and open to the public. Join us at 2137 Magnolia Ave. in Buena Vista, VA and for more information call 540.261.7474.
New Partnership with Memory Cafe Alliance
June 6, 2025- In recognition of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month in June, Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS) is announcing a new partnership with Memory Cafe Alliance.
The Memory Cafe Alliance was formed to sustainably increase the number of high-quality Memory Cafes throughout the U.S. As part of the partnership, VPAS Memory Partners programs are now included in a nationwide directory of Memory Cafes on the Dementia Friendly Website. Participation in this network signals VPAS’ commitment to dementia care best practices and a strong belief that by focusing on those living with dementia and their caregivers, we can enrich their lives together.
VPAS offers monthly programs designed to help dementia care partners experience joy, connection, and purpose.
Memory Cafes – or Memory Partners, as VPAS calls them – are a place where people experiencing cognitive challenges, along with their caregivers, can find meaningful programming and acceptance. Participants enjoy Tai Chi, games and other activities, and discover new resources.
VPAS offers Memory Partners programs at the following locations and times:
- Massanutten Regional Library - First Thursday of every month, 10 a.m.
- VPAS Waynesboro Office - Second Thursday of every month, 10 a.m.
Additionally, VPAS hosts Opening Minds Through Art (OMA) sessions with special Support Groups to help address the challenges that come with caregiving. These are offered from 1-2 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month at Maury River Senior Center in Buena Vista.
“It is possible to lead a high-quality life with dementia,” said VPAS program director Joyce Nussbaum. “The important thing to realize is you are not alone. In VPAS, you will find a supportive network of experts and nationally-recognized programming that provides a safe path forward for dementia care partners.”
There is no cost to participate in VPAS care partner programs. Registration allows for better planning and improves the program experience. For more information or to register, call 540-615-5341.
VPAS 2025-2027 Strategic Plan Released
February 24, 2025 - VPAS' 2025-2027 Strategic Plan is now complete and available to the public. Producing this plan has involved much time and input from the VPAS staff, the Board of Directors and Advisory Council, and the clients VPAS serves. We look forward to seeing the further development and implementation of these plans and goals and welcome the community's support.