Steve Klotz was recently named coordinator of Dementia Friendly Lancaster County. Klotz previously worked as a chaplain and then a staff trainer in a regional retirement system. He brings many years of experience in serving people with dementia through Validation, a method for dementia communication and relationship building. Klotz is one of three Certified Validation Master Teachers in the United States.

Dementia Friendly Lancaster's existing programs include monthly Memory Cafes, Care Partner Respite Saturdays, and Dementia Friendly Business Training. Klotz said he would like to extend services to areas of Lancaster County that the organization does not currently serve.

Based in New Holland, Dementia Friendly Lancaster is a nonprofit organization with a steering and volunteer committee that includes community members, organizations, business and faith-based leaders, and people who have been affected by dementia. Dementia Friendly Lancaster strives to offer support, education, and resources to people living with dementia and their care partners within local communities. The organization offers dementia training and resources to businesses, faith communities, health care systems, and community members.

As an outreach of Garden Spot Village, a 501(c)(3) organization, Dementia Friendly Lancaster does not claim to offer medical advice or referral services. To learn more about Dementia Friendly Lancaster, visit http://www.dementiafriendlylancaster.org.