Suzan Ortman Caregiver Support

08/23/2026

I would like to send a huge thank you to Java Cafe in El Paso for allowing the Suzan Ortman Caregiver Support to hold a coffee and chat yesterday.
It was wonderful to see everyone we had a great turnout.

Next meeting will be in 4 weeks on Saturday Sept. 26 at 10am. This time we could be outside in the garden weather allowing us.

Again thank you Java Café for all of the support.

08/21/2026

This Saturday we will be at Java Café in EL Paso at 10am for coffee and conversation.

The topic will be about your journey caring for a loved one or friend and getting to know each other.

Caregiving is so much easier when you have a support net that can help lift you up in a time of need.

This group is meeting once a month on the 4th Saturday at 10am at Java Cafe. Stay tuned for other events in the coming months.

Huge shout out to Java Café for the continued support for our community outreach.

08/07/2026

08/07/2026

There are things we can control and things we cannot.

08/05/2026

08/05/2026

💜 El Paso Caregiver Support Group

UPDATE!!!
I’m so pleased to share that our Community Caregiver Support Group here in El Paso, IL enjoyed a wonderful summer break filled with family time and rest.

And now… we’re resuming our gatherings as we head into fall — with a few updates!

We will now meet on the 4th Saturday of each month at 10 AM at Java Café.

Our focus remains simple and meaningful:
to be present in the community, welcome anyone interested in caregiving, and offer a space to meet, connect, and share stories with others who understand the Caregiver Journey.

We look forward to seeing familiar faces and welcoming new ones.

05/27/2026

Life is a journey, and for some of us, certain opportunities come only once.
Caregiving and Dementia have shaped my life in profound ways — through both of my parents, and through the many caregivers and loved ones I’ve met along the way. Each person has touched my heart and strengthened my belief in the importance of this work.

Within that journey, I’ve had to make some very difficult decisions, and this one has been the hardest. I will not be continuing my pursuit to make El Paso a Dementia Friendly Community.

This campaign is meaningful, necessary, and much bigger than what I can carry alone. I have been blessed with many opportunities over the past few years, but the greatest of them has been caring for my dad as he lives with dementia. As much as I would love to see this project come to life — in honor of him and everyone else walking this path — the truth is that it would not change his journey. What will matter is the time we have left together, and I need to make it as wonderful and meaningful as I possibly can.

Thank you to everyone who supported this vision, encouraged me, or shared their own stories. Your compassion has meant more than you know.