Submitted photo Amy Jones is one of several Music & Memory participants at ERCC. Her story is being used by the national non-profit to help raise money for the organization.

ELKINS — An Elkins Rehabilitation & Care Center resident is helping raise money for a non-profit organization that assists those with cognitive and physical conditions to improve their quality of life.

Resident Amy Jones, 60, has participated in the Music & Memory program for several years. Music & Memory is a non-profit organization that trains caregivers and volunteers to provide personalized music playlists to those suffering from dementia or other forms of cognitive or physical ailments.

Like millions around the country, Amy experiences anxiety. But when she listens to music, the anxiety lifts and she can enjoy her day. Her quality of life is improved by the music that she listens to. Now Amy is helping raise money for this vital program.

According to ERCC Activities Director Donna Jones, Amy’s story has been featured on the donation section of the Music & Memory website. It is being used to help promote the Music & Memory mission to provide music to those suffering from cognitive or physical disorders.

“Music & Memory is a vital program that helps people who are having problems improve their lives, and we’re a proud participant,” said Tara Shaver, ERCC administrator.

ERCC has participated in the Music & Memory program since 2014. It was the first facility in the state to participate in the program, Jones said.

Since then, they have worked with the program to provide music playlists to residents via mobile devices. Since ERCC has participated in Music & Memory for years, the organization recently reached out to officials at the facility to see if they had stories that could be used to help raise money for the program.

“They contacted us to see if we had anyone with a story that really resonates,” Jones said. “Amy’s story really resonates, and she wanted to make sure that other people know Music & Memory is a program that really helps her during her bad days.”

Jones said Amy is not the only one at the facility who takes advantage of the Music & Memory program as many other residents participate, too. The most widely listened to types of music are country, big band, and gospel. Though Amy’s favorite music is the soundtrack to the Phantom of the Opera, Jones said.

“Before she was admitted to ERCC, Amy saw the Broadway show in person,” Jones said. “And listening to the music on the soundtrack makes her feel so much better.”

Music & Memory uses funds raised to purchase devices for the facilities to provide music to individuals, Jones went on to say. They also use the money to educate caregivers, volunteers and those in the general community about the benefits of therapeutic music.

“Music & Memory is an excellent program that benefits participants,” Shaver said.

Anyone wishing to donate to the program can do so on their website at https://musicandmemory.org/.