History of Rose Villa and Portland Alzheimer’s Association Walks

In the beginning: Rachel Rushing was a social worker hired by Rose Villa in the late summer of 2006. She maintained an Alzheimer’s support group and began Rose Villa’s involvement with the Alzheimer’s Association and its annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Rachel Rushing coordinated the Walks from 2006 to 2011. During that period, participation ranged from 9 to 15 staff members and 2 to 9 residents; donations ranged from $570 to $1,200. No information was found for 2012 and 2013. It appears that no staff members were involved with the Walks and donations. (Note: Jean Coberly, RV Archivist, provided the preceding information.)

A major shift in Rose Villa’s participation in the Alzheimer’s Walks began in 2014. Residents became the coordinators and few staff participated.

*Note: Starting in 2021, Rose Villa has ranked in the top 10 in the Portland Alzheimer’s Walk for “Organizations and Companies.”