Connect With Joy
Loving someone living with dementia is hard. We’ve been there. We’ve experienced the sorrow, confusion, and frustration. But we also know the journey can include moments of joy and celebration.
Songs & Smiles is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by Eric & Sheryl Kolb. The organization’s mission is “Keeping Families Connected During the Alzheimer’s Journey.”
Check out our care tips and resources, including our singalong videos and our dementia-friendly magazine. These resources connect people with memories and emotions, and they can help you connect with a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or other form of dementia.
Thursday, February 23 at 10 am – FREE Community Singalong in Grapevine, Texas.
Latest Issue of Joyful Memories Magazine: Musical Instruments
Special Offer on First 4 Issues
Learn how Songs & Smiles brings joy to people during the Alzheimer’s journey. Featuring interviews with co-founders Eric and Sheryl Kolb, as well as with residents and staff members at local care facilities. Hear how the organization’s interactive singalongs and dementia-friendly magazines are helping people living with dementia connect with their memories and emotions, as well as with their family and friends.
A mother and her two daughters share a moment of joy at a Songs & Smiles event.
Songs & Smiles co-founders Eric and Sheryl Kolb with Sheryl’s mom, Trish, in 2017, sharing a moment of joy during the Alzheimer’s journey. Eric and Sheryl helped care for Trish from the time of her diagnosis in 2008 until Alzheimer’s took her life in 2019.
Celebrate Life
We support caregivers and families during the Alzheimer’s journey, encouraging them to celebrate life with love and laughter. We know how hard it can be to connect with someone who has Alzheimer’s, but we also know the tremendous value of each person and every shared moment of joy.
So, we sing and we smile. We rethink how we have conversations, and we look for creative ways to connect.
READ “OUR STORY”
READ “FACING ALZHEIMER’S WITH SONGS, SMILES, AND JOY”
New Article: Caregiver Story: My Aunt Sue and Uncle Dale
Keep Your Family Connected
Caring for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s presents unique challenges, and the journey can last for many years. Sadly, many caregivers get worn out and families often drift apart.
Everything we do is about keeping families connected during the journey. Join us in encouraging and supporting caregivers and families.
Trish, whose maiden name was Beeson, celebrated her 78th birthday in 2017 together with the other “Beeson Ladies.” From left, Trish’s grandniece Sydney, niece Stacey, grandniece Emma, sister Mary, Trish, daughter Sheryl, niece Terri, and grandniece Grace.
Mother and daughter sharing a moment of laughter during a Songs & Smiles singalong.
Featured Articles
Read the article about Songs & Smiles published by The Dallas Morning News.
News & Events
Thursday, February 23 at 10 am – FREE Community Singalong at the Vine Arts & Events Center in Grapevine, Texas.
Latest Issue of Joyful Memories Magazine: Musical Instruments
Latest Singalong Video: “When the Red, Red Robin”
Community Singalong in Grapevine, Texas
Singalong Videos
- “When the Red, Red Robin”
- “A Spoonful of Sugar” (published under license from Walt Disney Music Publishing)
- “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” (published under license from Walt Disney Music Publishing)
- “A Smile Will Go a Long Long Way”
Magazine
Funding
- Songs & Smiles is primarily supported by generous individual donors.
- Additional program funding by grants provided by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA), AWARE (a fund of The Dallas Foundation), and The Pollination Project.
- 2023 Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar by Candid.
Get Involved
Care for Caregivers
Provide encouragement and support to those on the front lines.
Care Tips
Learn how to better connect with someone living with dementia.
Share Your Story
Encourage others by sharing your own story.
Volunteer
Contact us about getting involved as a volunteer.