Huntsville Hosts Screening of My Mama Joe, Hope & Help with Producer Discussion
In partnership with TARCOG’s Alabama Cares Program and the Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) at Alabama A&M University, My Mama Joe, Hope & Help will be shown in Huntsville as part of an educational outreach effort called the Community Engagement Forum. The one-hour documentary, which broadcasts and streams nationally on the PBS platform, follows a family’s journey as they care for their matriarch living with Alzheimer’s dementia. The film is part of The Mama Joe Project, an initiative dedicated to supporting caregivers, promoting healthy aging, and improving outcomes for elders living with dementia and the families who care for them.
The film is produced by educator and creative Herb Caldwell and raises awareness about the growing challenges of family caregiving and dementia. It weaves together personal storytelling with best-practice insights from leading experts in the field, including representatives from Harvard University, the CDC, the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers, AARP, Washington University in St. Louis, the Alzheimer’s Association, and others.
The Community Engagement Forum will take place in Huntsville this Friday, November 21, from 6–7:30 p.m. at the Huntsville Marriott at the Space & Rocket Center. The event includes a community discussion session with the film’s producer, who is also the eldest son of the film’s central character.
“The film screening as part of the Community Engagement Forum provides a unique opportunity for folks to connect with a familiar personal narrative, as well directly engage with information and resources to support their health and care journey,” said Herb Caldwell, producer of My Mama Joe, Hope & Help.
The Mama Joe Project comes to the area in November, a month recognized as both Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month. This free, family-friendly event is open to all ages and audiences. Each attendee will receive a resource guide along with a complimentary popcorn and soft drink. Registration is now open at www.mamajoeproject.com/alabamacares.
