Facilitator: Michaela Haak

What: : Crafting group using knitting and crochet to promote positive social interaction and overall brain health

Target population and skills: CCS clients with the desire to engage in meaningful social activity, learn about healthy friendship boundaries, practice utilizing interpersonal effectiveness skills, and learn a fiber art.

When: Starting October 1st and continuing Tuesdays @ 5:30PM-6:30PM with rolling admission.

Where: Open Door Center for Change WEST clinic located at:

OPEN DOOR Center for Change – West
6502 Grand Teton Plaza Suite 102
Madison, WI 53719

Description: Dr. Dorothy Farrar-Edwards, a professor of Kinesiology and Medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison identifies social interaction as one of the most important factors of brain health, especially in older adults. Social engagement has been shown to decrease risk for cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. A review conducted by Kelly and colleagues (2017) adds to and supports existing research and findings show that there is a positive association between social relationships and cognitive functioning.

This group will seek to promote positive social interactions to increase brain health. Engaging in knitting, crocheting, and other fiber arts around others provides a unique opportunity to have discussions with people who share a hobby/interest. Supportive DBT skills may be taught and integrated throughout the sessions for interpersonal effectiveness as members participate in weekly group discussions.

Kelly, M.E., Duff, H., Kelly, S. et al. The impact of social activities, social networks, social support and social relationships on the cognitive functioning of healthy older adults: a systematic review. Syst Rev 6, 259 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-017-0632-2

BYOY – Bring your own yarn/hook/needles.

Minimum registered 7. Maximum 10.

Registration deadline: Spet 24, 2024

Service Facilitators: 1.5 hours ISDE must be approved in module by Friday, Sept. 27th. Clients joining later must have authorization in place the Friday prior to the class they plan to attend.

Contact our office staff using the form below.