Issue no. 35  - July 2026

Mark Your Calendars!

More information on these offerings below.

*NEW* Caregiver Summer Social

• Friday, July 24
• Stop by anytime between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• St. Cloud VA, Bldg. 96
• Registration encouraged but not required

*NEW* 2026 Summer Art Series

• Meditative Art, Thursday, July 16, at 6 p.m.
• Nature Art, Tuesday, July 28, at 3 p.m.
• Tie Dye, Thursday, August 6, at 6.pm.
• Open to Veterans and Caregivers
• Pre-registration required

*NEW* Veteran Caregiver Support Group

• Available to VA-enrolled Veterans who are also providing care for a loved one
• 4^th Thursday of the month, 9-10:30 a.m.
• Registration required

*NEW* Caregiver Support Program Fall Retreat

• September 16 and 17, 2026
• Enrollment in VA Caregiver Support Program required
• Express your interest to your case manager by July 22

Dementia Caregiver Support Group

• 1^st Tuesday of the month, 10-11 a.m.
• Enrollment in VA Caregiver Support Program required

Caregiver Coffee in the Canteen

• Every Friday, 9-10:30 a.m.
• No registration required

Caregiver Support: Post-9/11 Caregiver Connections Group

• 1^st Tuesday of every month, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
• Registration required

Caregiver Health and Wellbeing Group

• Every Monday, 1-2 p.m.
• Registration required

Caregivers Create Fellowship Group

• 2^nd Thursday of every month, 9-10:30 a.m.
• In-person at St. Cloud VA 
• Enrollment in VA Caregiver Support Program required

Memphis VA Caregiver Center Self-Care Courses

• Managing Stress
  • Mondays: July 6, 13, and 20, from 2-3 p.m.
  • OR Tuesdays: July 7, 14, and 21, from 2-3 p.m.
  • OR Wednesdays: July 1, 8, and 15, from 10-11 a.m.
  • OR Thursdays: July 2, 9, and 16, from 10-11 a.m. 
  • Registration required

• Introduction to Mindfulness
  • Tuesday, July 28, from 10-11 a.m.
  • OR Thursday, July 30, from 2-3 p.m. 
  • Registration required 

• Wellness through Qigong Series
  • Tuesdays: July 7, 14,  and 21, from 10-11 a.m.
  • OR Wednesdays: July 1, 8, and 15, from 2-3 p.m.
  • OR Tuesdays: Aug 4, 11, and 18, from 10-11 a.m.
  • OR Wednesdays: Aug 5, 12, and 19, from 2-3 p.m. 
  • Registration required 

• Effective Communication and Problem Solving
  • Mondays: Aug 3, 10, and 17, from 2-3 p.m.
  • OR Tuesdays: Aug 4, 11, and 18, from 2-3 p.m.
  • OR Wednesdays: Aug 5, 12, and 19, from 10-11 a.m.
  • OR Thursdays: Aug 6, 13, and 20, from 10-11 a.m. 
  • Registration required 

• The “Write” Stuff: Journaling for Caregivers
  • Tuesday, Aug 25, from 10-11 a.m.
  • OR Thursday, Aug 27, from 2-3 p.m. 
  • Registration required

*NEW* Caregiver Summer Social Join us for some fun this summer as we celebrate you! Games, socialization, resources, and activities will be available during this summer’s open house. Friday, July 24 Stop by anytime between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. St. Cloud VA, Bldg. 96 Registration is encouraged but not required. Call 320-252-1670, ext. 7283, for additional information

Caregiver Coffee In The Canteen Join other caregivers and Caregiver Support Program staff for coffee and conversation! Every Friday, 9-10:30 a.m. No registration required. Find us at the reserved table on the west end of the St. Cloud VA Canteen. Call the St. Cloud VA Caregiver Support Program at 320-252-1670, ext. 7283, with any questions. View and print the Caregiver Coffee in the Canteen flyer.

*NEW* Improving Mood for Caregivers Join us for an interactive virtual series that offers simple, effective tools to help lift your mood and reduce stress! Enjoy relaxing and energizing music, create art, practice easy qigong and yoga movements, and learn calming breathwork and visualization to bring clarity and calm. Wednesdays, August 12, 19, and 26, from 9-10 a.m. Join virtually via WebEx Registration required by July 29 Available to caregivers enrolled in the VA Caregiver Support Program. For more information or to register, contact the St. Cloud VA Caregiver Support Program at 320-252-1670, ext. 7283. View and print the Improving Mood for Caregivers flyer.

*NEW* Caregiver Support Program Fall Retreat Caregivers enrolled in the VA Caregiver Support Program are invited to attend our fall retreat at beautiful Camp Courage in Maple Lake, MN.  Attendees will connect with other caregivers, learn useful tools to assist with their caregiving journey, obtain resources and education, and relax in nature during this two-day, overnight retreat. September 16 and 17 Enrollment in VA Caregiver Support Program required Space is limited Speak with your Caregiver Support Program case manager to express your interest. Questions? Call 320-252-1670, ext. 7283. View and print the Caregiver Support Program Fall Retreat flyer.

Dementia Caregiver Support Group Caregivers of Veterans enrolled in the VA Caregiver Support Program are invited to join other Caregivers for a virtual dementia support group. 1st Tuesday of the month, 10-11 a.m. Join virtually via WebEx For more  information or to register, contact the St. Cloud VA Caregiver Support Program at 320-252-1670, ext. 7283. View and print the Dementia Caregiver Support Group flyer.

Memphis VA Caregiver Center Self-Care Courses

These webinars are available to caregivers who are enrolled in the Caregiver Support Program.  Courses will be offered virtually via Webex

• Advance registration is required
• Space is limited
• Registration links for all self-care courses are available in the attached flyers
  • Memphis VA Self Care Courses July 2026.pdf
  • Memphis VA Self Care Courses August 2026.pdf

Managing Stress

Stress is a normal physical response to the many challenges caregivers face. It’s not just the feeling of being overwhelmed by too many demands on your time; chronic stress can lead to health problems if you don’t find healthy ways to cope with it. Caregivers who attend these courses will learn about stress and practice stress reduction techniques.

• Presented virtually by the Memphis VA Caregiver Center.
• Available to caregivers enrolled in the VA Caregiver Support Program
• Each series of classes is limited to 30 caregivers, so register now!

• Mondays, July 6, 13, and 20, 2-3 p.m. 
• OR Tuesdays, July 7, 14, and 21, 2-3 p.m. 
• OR  Wednesdays, July 1, 8, and 15, 10-11 a.m.
• OR Thursdays, July 2, 9, and 17, 10-11 a.m. 

Introduction to Mindfulness

Caregivers will learn about the benefits of mindfulness and practice exercises to improve mindfulness. Caregivers will practice meditation, breathing, and other stress management techniques.

• Presented by the Memphis VA Caregiver Center. 
• Available to caregivers enrolled in the VA Caregiver Support Program 
• Advance registration recommended.
• Register for Introduction to Mindfulness 
  • Tuesday, July 28, 10-11 a.m. 
  • OR Thursday, July 30, 2-3 p.m.

Wellness through Qigong Series

Caregivers who attend these courses will learn about and practice each of the 4 elements of qigong.

• Course 1: Focus on Slow, Gentle Movements
• Course 2: Focus on Self-Applied Massage
• Course 3: Focus on Breathwork
• Presented virtually by the Memphis VA Caregiver Center.
• Available to caregivers enrolled in the VA Caregiver Support Program
• Each series of classes is limited to 30 caregivers, so register now!
  • Tuesdays, July 7, 14, and 21, 10-11 a.m. 
  • OR Wednesdays, July 1, 8, and 15, 2-3 p.m. 
  • OR Tuesdays, August 4, 11, and 18, 10-11 a.m. 
  • OR Wednesdays, August 5, 12, and 19, 2-3 p.m. 

Effective Communication and Problem Solving

Effective communication helps us express our feelings and needs, address difficult situations, and solve problems. Unresolved issues can cause caregiver stress, anxiety, and frustration, so learning to manage them is important. Caregivers in these courses will learn and practice communication skills, problem-solving steps, mood management techniques, and how to use the thought record to improve communication and problem solving.

• Presented virtually by the Memphis VA Caregiver Center.
• Available to caregivers enrolled in the VA Caregiver Support Program
• Each series of classes is limited to 30 caregivers, so register now!
  • Mondays, August 3, 10, and 17, from 2-3 p.m.
  • OR Tuesdays, August 4, 11, and 18, from 2-3 p.m. 
  • OR Wednesdays, August 5, 12, and 19, from 10-11 a.m. 
  • OR Thursdays, August 6, 13, and 20, from 10-11 a.m.

The “Write” Stuff: Journaling for Caregivers

Journaling involves writing or recording your thoughts, feelings, and daily activities. It is an effective self-care tool that can reduce blood pressure, anxiety, and stress, while increasing self-awareness and helping process emotions. In this webinar, you will practice bullet journaling, free writing, expressive and creative writing, art journaling, and responding to prompts.

• Presented by the Memphis VA Caregiver Center. 
• Available to caregivers enrolled in the VA Caregiver Support Program 
• Advance registration recommended. Register for The "Write" Stuff . 
  •  Tuesday, August 25, from 10-11 a.m. 
  • OR Thursday, August 27, from 2-3 p.m.

Dementia Corner with Kassara Meaningful & Safe Summer Activities for Individuals with Dementia Gardening & Nature-Based Activities Light gardening tasks (watering plants, potting herbs) stimulate the senses and encourage gentle movement and purpose (Bourdon et al., 2021). Therapeutic horticultural programs reduce behavioral symptoms, enhance mood, boost cognitive function, and improve perceived quality of life (Borella et al., 2023). Birdwatching & Wildlife Observation Dementia-friendly birdwatching groups promote calm, social connection, and enjoyment in accessible outdoor settings (Kanczula, 2026). Engagement with birdwatching stimulates attention, memory, and a sense of ease through nature connection (August, 2025). Picnics & Outdoor Leisure Shaded picnics with familiar finger foods and hydrating drinks provide sensory enrichment, meaningful change of scenery, and opportunities for connection (Innes et al., 2025). Creative & Sensory Crafts & Treats Simple summer crafts (e.g., flower pressing, pot painting) offer sensory stimulation, foster creativity, and support fine motor skills with easy-to-manage materials (Dodd, 2025). Preparing cool treats like fruit salads or homemade popsicles contributes to sensory engagement and hydration in a fun way (Dodd, 2025).