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Phoenix expands Memory Cafe program after ARPA-supported pilot; staff integrate activities into senior centers
Summary
Human Services staff reported Memory Cafe activities expanded to all 15 senior centers in 2025 after ARPA-funded growth; staff said ARPA funding ended Dec. 31, 2024 and program elements were integrated into center budgets with 208 events and 4,373 duplicative participants reported Jan–Nov 2025.
Human Services Director Jacqueline Edwards and Assistant Director Tracy Hall updated the subcommittee on the Memory Cafe program, a dementia-support initiative run through the senior programs division.
Edwards said the city operates 15 geographically dispersed senior centers and that the Memory Cafe activities provide welcoming spaces for older adults vulnerable to or living with memory loss, while also offering caregiver support and referral resources.
Tracy Hall said Memory Cafes began virtually in September 2020 and were expanded with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds; those ARPA funds ended Dec. 31, 2024. Staff reimagined delivery by integrating Memory Cafe activities into regular center programming and expanded the offering in January 2025 so each senior center provides monthly in-person events and one virtual cafe.
Hall reported that from January to November 2025 there were 208 Memory Cafe activities (in-person and virtual) and 4,373 duplicative participants. Staff recorded that a majority of events were in person (transcript percentages recorded as about 12% virtual and roughly 88% in person) and that attendance was overwhelmingly in person for duplicate participants (roughly 97% in person). Staff said they will use data from the expansion to guide a 2026 schedule, leverage a qualified vendor list to identify instructors, and explore virtual-class partnerships.
Council members asked about sustainability now that ARPA funds ended; Hall and Edwards said the program is now integrated into the senior programs division budget and that membership fees and existing center resources help offset costs. Hall also described staff training and the memory screening process for early detection and referral to caseworkers and community resources.
The subcommittee thanked staff for the update and encouraged continued evaluation and reporting on program outcomes.
