Lincoln/Greater Nebraska
Grassroots efforts by the family members of persons with Alzheimer's disease led to the development of the first Alzheimer's support group in Lincoln, Nebraska. This local support group, which began in 1981, met regularly at a local church. The support group applied to the National Alzheimer's Association for chapter status in 1983. In 1987 the Board President arranged for office space, and a Start-Up grant from National was used to hire the chapter's first Executive Director, Karen Noel,
In 1991, the chapter grew substantially. A part-time secretary was hired, the director drew a full-time salary, and the chapter outgrew its donated office space. Successful efforts resulted in the use of grant monies for furnishing the new office, $30,000 from the Chapter's Memory Walk, and the design and marketing of the "Take a Bite Out of Alzheimer's" apple campaign, a highly successful fundraising campaign.
Over the next several years the chapter grew, particularly in response to demand for programs and services. The chapter began a respite assistance program, reimbursing families up to $500 per year (now $1000) to help them get a break from caregiving. As programs grew, the chapter grew, and once again the office space became too limited, necessitating a move.
In 1995, the Lincoln Chapter was renamed the Lincoln/Greater Nebraska Chapter and it gained prominence with its Board President serving as a member of the national board as well. In 1997, the Chapter hired its first full time Development Director. Since that time, the chapter has hired a full time Program Director, a Finance/Operations Director, two full time Special Events coordinators, and several part-time staff members. There are currently more than 50 support groups across the state, and branch offices are now open in Scottsbluff, North Platte and Kearney.
The Lincoln/Greater Nebraska Chapter began serving Wyoming July 1, 2002. It merged with the Sunflower Chapter in Kansas January 20, 2003, and was renamed the Alzheimer's Association of the Great Plains.
Wichita/Great Kansas
The Alzheimer's chapter located in Wichita, Kansas, was started in 1981 by a family member whose wife suffered from Alzheimer's disease. Many dedicated volunteers created the Alzheimer's and Similar Diseases Kansas State Association. The first support group was held at the Midian Temple and later met at Century II. In October, 1987, the local chapter affiliated with the National Alzheimer's Association in Chicago, which allowed more access to caregiving, research, and program information. The name was changed to the South Central Kansas Chapter and covered Sedgwick County and seven surrounding counties. The first full-time Executive Director was hired in 1996, and staff were added slowly over the years as more programs and services were offered.
In 1998, the chapter was renamed the Sunflower Chapter and added 41 counties in southern and western Kansas to its territory. The chapter also found a permanent home with the purchase of the building at 347 S. Laura, Wichita, thanks to a generous benefactor.
On January 20, 2003, the Sunflower Chapter merged with the Lincoln/Greater Nebraska chapter and was renamed the Alzheimer's Association of the Great Plains.
