Introducing Flourishing with Friends, a non-profit social organization.
Offering a place for those with early stages of dementia to find peace, purpose and connection by providing supervised socialization in a caring community of friends and volunteers where every moment is cherished and meaningful.
Our approach
We picture a community where people with dementia are cared for with kindness, involved in meaningful social connections, and encouraged to live with dignity—while their caregivers feel appreciated, supported, and get the much-needed breaks to maintain their well-being.
Providing your loved one a place to relax and socialize with friends.
Navigating life with a dementia patient is one of the most challenging things a family member can go through, and it is our sincere hope that we can help you and your loved one walk along this journey.
Through our program, we strive to foster connection, relaxation, and resilience for both our friends and their families. Our program will be supervised by our Executive Director and primarily staffed by dedicated volunteers.
We will begin each day with our Brew Crew where friends can gather each morning and greet each other over a cup of coffee or hot tea. The morning will consist of reminiscing activities, music, crafts, working puzzles or playing games followed by lunch. Afterwards, we will have exercise and more engaging activities until our friends are picked up by their caregivers.
“Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.” - Helen Keller
Our Location:
We are blessed to be able to offer this program at Brenham Presbyterian Church. This is a bright and cheerful environment with plenty of room for socializing, engaging in creative activities or gentle exercise, and enjoying lunch with friends.
The Flourishing with Friends program will begin operation on the first and third Tuesdays from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm beginning on February 17, 2026, in the Fellowship Hall located at 900 South Jackson Street, Brenham, Texas.
Our services
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Respite Care
Supervised socialization for seniors with cognitive decline.
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Creative Expression
Engaging, age-appropriate arts and craft activities for seniors.
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Music Activities
Relaxing and entertaining music will be provided including some live music performances.
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Fun & Games
Most of us have been playing games since we were kids and still have fun doing it.
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Socialization with Animals
Most people love animals so we will give them opportunities to visit with friendly pets.
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Jigsaw Puzzles
Studies suggest that jigsaw puzzles can improve visual-spatial processing, problem-solving skills, short-term memory, and slow cognitive decline.
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Gardening & Flower Arranging
We are blessed to have the Galilee Garden on the Brenham Presbyterian Church campus where our friends can enjoy seeing fruits, vegetables and flowers grow.
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Dementia Resources
We will provide educational information on dementia and caregiving to our families and friends as well as refer them to local resources to support them in the community.
Meet our team
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Janet R. Crane, M.Ed.
Executive Director
Janet@flourishingwithfriends.com
Janet has lived in Brenham since 1984 and has over 40 years of experience in health care administration with intellectually disabled and elderly individuals. She served in various capacities at Brenham State Supported Living Center including Residence Director and retired after 30 years in 2010. She then found a new passion working with the elderly and became the manager of LaRoche Manor and Memory Care. Janet is a graduate of Mary Hardin Baylor and Sam Houston University. She is an active member of Brenham Presbyterian Church and volunteers with Galilee Garden, Brenham Boutique and Kruse Village.
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Melissa "Missy" Abston
Chair/Secretary, Advisory Board
Missy@flourishingwithfriends.com
Missy moved to Brenham on a leap of faith in 2008 and has never looked back. She has over 30 years of experience in the health care administration industry as a licensed administrator and social worker. While working for the State of Texas she served as a Residence Director at Brenham State Supported Living Center and then an Inspector of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Missy is a proud graduate of Blinn College and Texas A&M University. She is an active member of Brenham Presbyterian Church serving on the Communion Committee, and volunteering in Galilee Garden and Brenham Boutique.
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Lisa A. Copeland, PsyD
Vice Chair, Advisory Board
Lisa split her time between Cypress and Brenham until her children went off to college. She recently retired from a career in nursing and community education and now makes Brenham her full-time home. Her volunteer history includes decades working with adults and seniors with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and minority populations. She earned a BSN from the University of Cincinnati, a MEd in Curriculum and Education and a Doctorate in Psychology. Her passion for working with families experiencing dementia stems from a personal family history.
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Mark Copeland
Treasurer. Advisory Board
Mark moved to Brenham full-time in 2024, after enjoying weekends and holidays here while his children were growing up. He retired from a 50-year career, spending the last 40 years as a Manager/Director in domestic and international natural gas services. Prior to his retirement, he volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and Reach Unlimited. He currently volunteers with the mobile food pantry at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Southern Methodist University.
“Flourishing with Friends is going to be a blessing to our church and to the community.”
Janell Blair, Pastor of Brenham Presbyterian Church
Let us help you and your family on this challenging journey!
How to become a volunteer with our amazing program:
We are looking for dedicated volunteers of all ages to work with our friends and their families each week. Please complete and submit a Volunteer Application.
Start volunteering with Flourishing with Friends, today.
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Start volunteering with Flourishing with Friends, today. *
