A nonprofit organization that will provide daytime care services for adults with dementia and other cognitive challenges plans to open next week on the Hanna Center campus in Sonoma and is offering three community houses to introduce families to its offerings.
Today & Together is on track to open on or around Jan. 5, said Executive Director Christina Gonzalez.
“We are incredibly excited to begin serving families and participants and to officially open our doors to the Sonoma community,” she said.
The open houses will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8; from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13; and from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15.
“We are offering three open houses to accommodate varying schedules, including those of working families and those returning from travel during the holidays,” Gonzalez said. “We want to ensure everyone has an opportunity to tour the space, meet our team and learn about our program.”
Gonzalez, who has served for nearly two decades in senior living positions — focusing primarily on memory care leadership — will be joined by Program Director Nathan Howland and Director of Engagement and Administration Mya O’Neill.
“Both bring extensive experience in senior living and dementia care, and I am excited to work alongside them in building and leading this program,” Gonzalez said.
They will answer questions from caregivers and families about the challenges and benefits of caring for aging adults.
“I look forward to educating families, offering guidance and building trust,” Gonzalez said. “As someone new to Sonoma (she formerly resided in Oakland), I am also excited to build relationships with local businesses and community members. The open houses are a wonderful opportunity to connect and begin those partnerships.”
Construction work in the building housing Today & Together is just being completed, so no tours have been available, yet 20 people have already made arrangements to participate in the organization’s program.
“We are pleased with the interest from the community,” Gonzalez said. “The program has space for about 50 participants (each day), so we urge families who feel this program may benefit their loved ones to reach out soon to reserve the days of the week they wish to attend.”
Based on a projected individual attendance of two days per week, roughly 110 different people will be able to participate in the program.
Gonzalez said that Today & Together has received very positive feedback and strong community support.
“There is a clear need for these services, and the response has been incredibly encouraging,” she said. “Organizations such as Vintage House and other local partners have been enthusiastic, and families have expressed excitement about having this type of program available in Sonoma.”
Today & Together’s program will run on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; participants typically will attend from midmorning to late afternoon. Paid professional staff members and trained volunteers will assist with personal care, engagement and supervision.
Tailored to ability levels, activities will include mobility and exercise classes such as chair exercises and walking programs as well as cultural and educational activities, arts and music programs, games and opportunities for social interaction in small groups.
Today & Together is currently offering only full-day participation at $150 per-day, with a sliding scale as needed.
The organization’s mission is to provide exceptional, individualized programming that brings joy, purpose and connection to adults living with dementia and other care needs.
“We believe in meeting each person exactly ‘where they are’ and creating an environment that feels engaging, safe and uplifting,” Gonzalez said. “Our approach focuses on dignity, enrichment and meaningful engagement, supporting the whole person while honoring their life story, preferences and strengths.”
The organization also was created to provide support for participants’ caregivers and families.
“Caregivers often feel isolated and overwhelmed,” Gonzalez said. “One of our primary goals is that remind families that they are not alone and that they do not have to do everything by themselves. Today & Together provides caregivers with the opportunity to work, rest and care for their own well-being while knowing their loved one is safe, supported and engaged.”
She said that by receiving respite up to 10 hours a day, five days per week, participating families will not feel pressured to move their loved one into a full-time senior living community.
“This support helps reduce burnout and allows caregivers to continue their journey with greater balance and peace of mind,” Gonzalez said.
Though located on the Hanna Center campus, 17000 Arnold Drive, Today & Together is a standalone 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization guided by its own Board of Directors.
“Hanna Center has been incredibly supportive, particularly with community outreach and helping us share our mission throughout Sonoma Valley,” Gonzalez said.
Also, each day Hanna Center will provide two freshly prepared hot meals and snacks for participants as well as nightly housekeeping service to ensure Today & Together’s space remains clean, welcoming and comfortable.
“This partnership allows us to focus fully on care, programming and family support,” Gonzalez said.
The organization is expecting to soon be licensed by the state of California.
“We are in the final stages of the licensure process and expect to be licenses very soon,” Gonzalez said. “Licensing is significant because it ensures we meet all State of California standards for safety, care, staffing and operation, providing families with peace of mind and confidence in the quality of services we deliver.”
She is confident that Today & Together can provide a major boost to caregivers and those dealing with dementia in Sonoma Valley.
“We are incredibly excited to be part of the community and to bring something truly unique and special to this area,” she said. “Today & Together is built on compassion, connection and excellence, and I cannot wait to meet the families and participants we will serve.
“Caring for your loved ones is an honor I take deeply to hear, and I look forward to walking alongside families in this journey.”
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