2025 Update:
As we celebrated our 10 year anniversary November 2024, we have decided to dissolve EAAA and to convert any remaining assets to begin a grant program through Heartland Human Services. Our goal for this grant program is to provide funds for respite and other expenses for caregivers and families dealing with demena who are under the age of 60. Many federal and state grant programs do not support people under age 60; we recognize a huge gap in care and funds available to these families.
We feel that we have accomplished the mission of EAAA, to provide education and support to all families, caregivers, and persons living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia in Effingham County and the surrounding area. Shannon will continue to assist Midland Area Agency on Aging with any Dementia Friendly Community Training and give educational presentations as needed. She will also continue to be a resource for any caregivers or family members who call. Please see the additional information page of our website for agencies and organizations that can help. We want to thank each and every one of you for your support of EAAA!

Our Story:
We are the mother-daughter team of Shannon Nosbisch and Amy (Nosbisch) Sobrino. After caring for our loved one Anna Mae (Shannon's Mother-in-Law/Amy's Grandmother) as she lived with Alzheimer's disease for nearly 13 years, we saw first-hand the difficulties that families face. Through those years, we felt lost as each day brought new symptoms, new challenges, and new grief. After her caregiving experience, Amy began a career in geriatric social work, completing her Bachelor's of Social Work at SIUE and Master's of Social Work at SLU. Seeing the resources and programs available in more urban areas, we wanted to bring the same resources to Effingham and the surrounding area. In 2014, we officially became Effingham Area Alzheimer's Awareness, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. 

UPDATES:
We have recorded some of our Community Education Programs -
Memory Loss - What You Need to Know  https://youtu.be/l2GU62UrJrg 

Creative Problem Solving for Dementia Caregiving   https://youtu.be/iGkeO3JjmzU

Planning for Long Term Care https://youtu.be/XWpcTq9fFcw 

Planning for a Life Time
https://youtu.be/hgv641xYj1w
Please click on the links to view these programs.