The project is funded by a faculty scholarship grant from AU's Office of the Vice President for University Outreach. Kathy Jo Ellison, associate professor of nursing at AU, and Arlene Morris, nursing instructor at Auburn University at Montgomery, are principle investigators for the program.

The center is for any person and/or family member with any level of memory impairment. Caregivers may bring persons with memory problems who need to be watched in the adjacent Adult Day Center while services are provided. Anyone with "early mild thinking" problems is encouraged to come for education and referral, according to the center's organizers.

"The Auburn University Outreach grant made this a reality," said Ellison. "We know this is just the beginning. We're going to grow this center to serve those in our area with these problems."

Morris also expressed her gratitude for the outreach support and expectations that the center grow to serve everyone from Chambers County in east Alabama to the greater Montgomery area.

"Eventually we would like the outreach to go into the counties," said Morris. "Right now we are asking caretakers to come here to find out what their needs are."

Ellison and Morris see the center as a clearing house, " . . . a magnet for people to get the referrals and help they need."

In addition to the support and referral services, the center also offers skill development, motivation and resource development.

The center will operate in Montgomery on Mondays and Tuesdays and in Auburn on Thursday and Friday. Those seeking the services the center provides should call Christine McIntosh, center manager, at 334-826-6568. The Auburn location is 1533 Professional Parkway in Cottage 11.