Photo by Carmen Davalis, Carmen’s Legacy Productions
Josie Zamora may have retired from nursing, but she will always have a nurse’s heart—one she has continued to show. After her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, she became her caregiver, and has persevered in her efforts to get an adult day program off the ground for people with dementia in Georgetown.
Josie says while, as a nurse, she had many roles—healer, educator, and counselor—the most critical was patient advocate, something she’s been striving to do for this new group. “Guests who join our program are not patients, but I will always advocate for them,” she says.
That program is A Gift of Time, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that has worked tirelessly to open an adult day program to provide social activities and community engagement for people diagnosed with dementia, and respite for their caregivers. Josie is the founder and executive director.
IN DEMAND
The need for such a program became clear in 2011 when the City conducted a community survey, which showed our senior population needed an affordable day center. “With 30 percent of our population at 65 years old—we have a problem,” Josie says. “There is no support system in place for caregivers. Residents have been waiting almost a decade for an affordable day program and we plan to provide a much-needed service.”
Although still working to acquire a building, she has already begun service to the community. AGOT offers dementia education, support groups, and Camille’s Memory Café, a social gathering for people with dementia and their families, friends, and caregivers, open to anyone interested in learning more about dementia.
Many people have joined Josie’s cause, among them are the Alzheimer’s Association Capital of Texas, and many Georgetown businesses and influencers. So many, in fact, we ask you to visit GeorgetownView.com to appreciate the magnitude and number of supporters. “We are truly grateful for everyone who has stood by us, donated to our cause, and believed in what we’re doing,” Josie says.
Each of their supporters has remained devoted to their goal. “We will never give up the fight,” Josie adds. “We are steadfast in our mission. We know caregivers need it and it will be great for the community.”
To Josie, A Gift of Time can be summed up in three words—faith, love and hope. Faith is what started it all, she says. “My passion is actually a calling. I didn’t know at the time that it was in God’s plan that I serve as an advocate for caregivers and their loved ones. . .We truly love them in a special way because we know what they go through.” Several Board members were caregivers previously, “The entire team works hard to keep A Gift of Time moving forward,” Josie says.
She and the rest of the team want to demonstrate love by providing services to keep families together, which is a struggle for many people with a loved one suffering from memory loss. Josie finds it troubling that caregivers put loved ones with dementia in a facility before it is needed. “It’s important for caregivers and their loves to not feel alone,” she adds. “Especially while they have to socially isolate during COVID, which has caused many with dementia to decline quickly.
Although the pandemic has also devastated A Gift of Time’s plans to open a day program, members have quickly switched to virtual programs, all the while hoping the day center will one day become a reality. “Our Board will never give up hope that one day we will rejoice with our supporters and community when we enroll our first participant,” Josie says. Learn more at agiftoftimegeorgetown.org.