A safe space and warm conversation are available for caregivers of people with dementia every first and third Thursday of the month at the The Peekskill Community Hub, 4 Nelson Avenue, Peekskill. The group is designed for those who sustain the daily life of family members or friends facing this condition. The session begins at 10 a.m and lasts for one and a half hours. It is a free activity that promotes a discreet and secure support network.

The initiative began in the city at the end of 2024 as a project of the Alzheimer’s Association – Hudson Valley Chapter. In February 2025, the organization formally presented it to the City Council through its Community Engagement Manager. David Zucker explained that the initiative had already been operating for several months and sought to establish itself as a stable resource for the community.

Today, the sessions remain active and are guided by two facilitators: Sudha Ramaswami and Reverend George Coniglio, who spoke from personal experience, having cared for his recently diagnosed mother. These experiences have shaped the group from its early stages: a space built both with institutional support and direct experiences of those facing the daily demands of caregiving.

Each meeting combines conversation, the exchange of experiences, and practical guidance on caregiving. Confidentiality is a rule: what is shared in the group remains in the group.

During the sessions, caregivers present the daily challenges they face, from communicating with the person affected to managing symptoms or the emotional strain caused by the condition. Strategies to reduce the burden, simple relaxation exercises, and guidance to access local respite and assistance services are shared during the meeting.

The group format is not rigid. Each session allows space for the unexpected: a personal story, a specific question, or reference to a community resource. Support materials circulate among participants, along with information about educational programs and upcoming workshops.

To resolve questions, confirm the schedule, or obtain additional information, caregivers may approach the The Peekskill Community Hub directly or consult community listings. The door is open, and participation does not require prior registration.