Members of the Alzheimer Society of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington team. (L-R): Colton Sedore, Cassandra McNaughton, Ashley Collins, Sarah Winkelman, Michelle Moore.
Back in August 2023, the Alzheimer Society of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington took a leap of faith when they decided to move to Providence Village. They became the very first subtenant to join our emerging community of care — at a time when the Village was still in its earliest stages of growth.
The campus looked very different then. On the property, Providence Care had just broken ground that June on their AB Smith Homestead House hospice residence, and the redevelopment of Providence Manor long-term care home had not yet begun. Inside the Motherhouse, the halls were still primarily filled with staff and the Sisters. There was a sense of possibility — but also uncertainty.
By joining the Village at that time, the Alzheimer Society of KFL&A was embracing change, construction, and the natural growing pains that come with building something new. They believed in the dream first imagined by the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul — a place rooted in care, compassion, and community — and they knew they wanted to be part of it.
Today, in 2026, that early leap of faith has grown into something meaningful and enduring. The Alzheimer Society has expanded its operations and increased services within its space at the Village. Located in the west wing of the Motherhouse, they are surrounded by fellow mission-driven organizations, including the Independent Living Centre Kingston, H’art Centre, and Girls Inc., among others.
Under the leadership of new Executive Director Sarah Winkelman, the organization continues to deepen its impact — contributing to a collaborative environment where partnerships flourish and community wellbeing is strengthened.
We sat down with Sarah to learn more about the Alzheimer Society of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington, her new role as Executive Director, and what it means for the organization to be part of the Providence Village community of care.
Can you tell us about the Alzheimer Society of KFL&A and the support you provide to individuals and families living with dementia?
The Alzheimer Society of KFL&A is dedicated to ensuring that no one faces dementia alone. We provide compassionate support to individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, as well as the families and care partners who walk alongside them.
Through our First Link® Care Navigation program, we connect people to personalized guidance, community resources, and ongoing support from the time of diagnosis onward. We also offer caregiver support groups, social and recreational programs, and educational workshops that build confidence, connection, and understanding.
From safety resources to community training initiatives, our work strengthens dementia-friendly communities across Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington.
Together, we are here to provide help, hope, and support at every stage of the journey.
As you step into your new role as Executive Director, what are you most excited about, and what priorities are guiding you in this next chapter for the organization?
Stepping into the Executive Director role at the Alzheimer Society of KFL&A feels incredibly meaningful, and quite honestly, very exciting!!
What energizes me most is the people. Every day, I see the strength of individuals living with dementia, the dedication of care partners, and the heart our staff and volunteers bring to this work. It’s truly inspiring. I’m excited about building on that momentum and finding new ways to reach families earlier, walk alongside them longer, and make sure they truly feel supported.
My priorities are pretty simple: to make our services easier to access, strengthen support for caregivers (because they carry so much), and continue building a community where people living with dementia feel understood and included. I’m also focused on ensuring our organization is strong and sustainable so we can keep showing up for families, not just today, but for years to come.
Most of all, I’m excited about what we can do together. There’s so much possibility ahead, and I’m super grateful to be part of this next chapter.
The entrance to the Alzheimer Society of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington suite in the west wing at Providence Village.
What first drew you to Providence Village as a home for your organization?
We’re incredibly grateful to call Providence Village home. From the start, it felt welcoming, collaborative, and aligned with our values of compassion and community. It’s a space where connections happen naturally and that means so much for the work we do at the Alzheimer Society of KFL&A.
There’s also something special about the environment itself. It’s accessible, warm, and rooted in care. For us, it aligned beautifully with the values of the Alzheimer Society of KFL&A: dignity, inclusion, and walking alongside people with compassion. It simply felt like the right home for our next chapter!
What does it mean for you to be part of Providence Village, alongside other mission-driven, community-focused organizations?
Being part of Providence Village is just so great! Everyone here is so kind, welcoming, and supportive. Surrounded by mission-driven neighbours, we feel connected, energized, and inspired. It’s a place where collaboration flows naturally, ideas spark, and serving our community feels even more meaningful.
How can members of the community support your work or get involved?
There are so many ways to support the Alzheimer Society of KFL&A and help families living with dementia: volunteer your time, join a support group, attend events, make a donation, or simply help spread awareness. Every action, big or small, brings comfort, connection, and hope. Together, we can ensure no one faces dementia alone.
Learn more about the Alzheimer Society of KFL&A on their website.
An activities room inside of the Alzheimer Society of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington’s office space at Providence Village.
A quilt hanging in the hallway inside the Alzheimer Society of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington suite at Providence Village.