The Akula Foundation, a New Orleans-based non-profit dedicated to providing resources to the greater community, has engaged local resident, Robin A. Edgar, to conduct monthly reminiscence workshops, free of charge, at Laurel Hurst in Columbus.

The interactive group sessions are open to the public and will be held the first Tuesday of every month from 1-2 p.m., starting Sept. 3.

A professional reminiscence workshop facilitator, Edgar is the author of In My Mother’s Kitchen: An Introduction to the Healing Power of Reminiscence.

Using the senses to recall, record and celebrate significant memories, she helps participants recognize and value the individuals and incidents that shaped their lives.

This unique creative process is an effective tool in coping with loss or change due to illness such as Alzheimer’s or the death of a loved one. It also aids in long-term care planning and has proven to increase feelings of togetherness and reduce apathy and confusion as it encourages self-expression and social interact.

As part of its goal to assist with quality in end of life as well bereavement and long-term care planning, the Akula Foundation is excited to partner with Edgar to offer reminiscence workshops for professionals as well as group therapy sessions for family caregivers and residents in eldercare and hospice organizations throughout the country.

In addition to the monthly sessions at Laurel Hurst, the Foundation is sponsoring Edgar to facilitate a Healing Power of Reminiscence three-hour seminar for professionals on Oct. 25 at the Carolina Region’s Annual Social Work Conference for the National Healthcare Corporation.

For more information about Akula Foundation, go to www.akulafamilyfoundation.com. If you are interested in attending the free monthly workshops at Laurel Hurst, contact Jennifer Thompson at 828-894-3900.

– article submitted
by Jennifer Thompson