About Us
The foundation's work continues in memory of Francisca I. Lopez.
Since 2012, Act Now Foundation, a grass roots 501(c)(3) non-profit, has worked tirelessly to raise awareness, advocate, and educate New Jersey about Alzheimer's disease, prevention, and early detection.
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Our Story
Before Act Now Foundation existed, our Co-Founders, Kristine Allen and Cary Lopez, were thriving business owners in the fragrance sector. However, in 2009, their lives took an unexpected turn when both were faced with the challenges of dementia within their families.
Cary witnessed her mother Isa's courageous battle with Alzheimer's for 14 years, while Kristine continues to encounter dementia across generations. Yet, amidst their caregiving journey, they were met with a heartbreaking realization: the absence of local, relevant support and guidance.
These shared experiences fueled their determination to create a more supportive environment for families facing similar struggles. Driven by empathy and a profound desire to make a difference, Kristine and Cary embarked on a journey of compassion. In 2012, Kristine and Cary made the bold decision to sell their business and establish Act Now Foundation.
Today, Act Now Foundation stands as a beacon of hope, connecting individuals to essential community resources and providing crucial information on aging and dementia. We remain steadfast in our dedication to developing innovative approaches to address the multifaceted challenges of aging and to providing crucial support services to caregivers and their loved ones.
MISSION STATEMENT
Our vision is to create a dementia-friendly New Jersey. We are committed to reducing the impact of the disease and fostering communities that are supportive, knowledgeable, and empathetic towards individuals living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias and their caregivers. Through education, support services, and advocacy, we empower caregivers to navigate the challenges of caring for someone with dementia while ensuring that individuals living with dementia receive the care and dignity they deserve.
GOALS & OBJECTIVES
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Raise Awareness: Educate about Alzheimer's and related dementias to reduce stigma.
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Promote Early Diagnosis: Encourage early diagnosis for informed decision-making and access to care.
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Provide Supportive Resources: Offer materials, support groups, and counseling to caregivers and individuals with dementia.
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Advocate for Change: Push for policies improving the lives of those with dementia and their caregivers.
WHY IT MATTERS
Alzheimer's disease stands as the 6th leading cause of death in America, posing a formidable challenge as it remains unpreventable, incurable, and unalterable. Projections forecast a staggering 600% increase in Alzheimer's cases by 2050, particularly impacting low-income, Hispanic, and urban communities.
In New Jersey, the reality is stark: over 272,000 caregivers dedicate themselves to tending to more than 185,300 seniors afflicted with Alzheimer's disease. Collectively, these caregivers contribute an astonishing 494 million hours of unpaid care, valued at over $10.8 billion. Shockingly, half of these seniors have never received a formal diagnosis, while the other half have not accessed treatment or support services. This stark disparity underscores the urgent need for proactive intervention and support, propelling Act Now Foundation's mission to extend aid, advocacy, and resources to those impacted by Alzheimer's and related dementias in our communities.
Achievements & Affiliations
Act Now Foundation is a member of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, an Alois Society Member of the Alzheimer's Association, a founding member of the Hudson County Caregiver Coalition, Co-Chair & Founding Member of the Bergen County Dementia Friendly Initiative, Co-Chair & Founding Member- Hudson County Food Security Task Force, Elected Member - Hudson County Human Services Advisory Council, Elected Member of the Hudson County Mental Health Board, Member - Hudson County Office of Inclusion & Accessibility Advisory Council, and Former Board Chair - Community Networking Association of New Jersey. We have received several Congressional Awards, Proclamations, and Citation Awards throughout the State of New Jersey.
In 2016, Act Now Foundation co-wrote two laws on Alzheimer's disease in the State of New Jersey. The new laws mandate that Alzheimer's disease be listed as a cause of death on death certificates (when applicable), which ensures an accurate count of those loved ones who pass away from Alzheimer's disease; because numbers matter. The second law increases the scope of training for New Jersey's Home Health Care Aides; ensuring that they are properly trained to take care of loved ones afflicted with Alzheimer's or related dementias.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF
ACT NOW FOUNDATION
2009
Our Co-Founders' families were separately hit by Alzheimer's disease.
2012
Our Co-Founders sold their fragrance business and launched Act Now Foundation to help those sharing their struggles.
2017
Held the first Annual Music & Memories Gala fundraiser.
Launched the Brain Health Initiative, including the annual Brain Health & Wellness Fair.
Expanded programs into Bergen County with the help of the Henry & Marilyn Taub Foundation.
2019
Programs and services funded by Bergen County Division of Senior Services.
Opened third office in Bergen County.
Awarded a Census Grant by the State of NJ to ensure seniors were counted.
2021
Launched the Wellness Program to ensure clients continued receiving supportive services during the pandemic.
Honored by the City of West New York, Ponce de Leon Foundation, Amfund Foundation, and Northern NJ Community Foundation for supporting seniors during the pandemic.
2023
Launched the Bergen County Dementia Friendly Initiative with Bergen County Division of Senior Services.
Our Co-Founders were named International Women of the Year by West New York.
Celebrated first 5K Walk&Run in partnership with HardGrove Charity.
Launched Care2Caregivers peer support program.
Featured on ABC News for a Hispanic Heritage Month Dementia Special.
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2009-2012
Our Co-Founders struggled to find local, relevant support and information to improve the quality of life for their loved ones.
2016
Our programs and services were first funded by the Hudson County Office on Aging.
Our Co-Founders co-wrote 2 NJ laws requiring Alzheimer's to be listed on death certificates and expanding Home Health Aides' training.
2018
Opened second office and new headquarters, Dementia Resource Center, in Northern Hudson County.
2020
Launched the Food4Life Project with Moms Meals to provide dietary-specific meals to homebound seniors during the pandemic.
2022
Celebrated 10-Year Anniversary.
Expanded programs into Essex County with funding from Essex County Division of Senior Services.
Our Co-Founders are named to NJ Policy Makers Power List 2022.
Awarded a 3-year contract to provide disability awareness training to First Responders under the Kevin and Avonte Program.
Team & Leadership
Kristine Allen
President & Co-Founder
Cary Lopez
Executive Director & Co-Founder
Stacy Hutsell
Program Director
Jessica Vega
Program Manager
Administrative
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Katia Suttile
Program Manager
Programmatic
Financial Transparency
Our programs at Act Now Foundation are made possible through diverse sources of funding. We receive essential support from governmental agencies, including the Hudson County Office on Aging, the Hudson County Office of Inclusion and Accessibility, the Bergen County Division of Senior Services, and the Essex County Division of Senior Services.
Additionally, we are grateful for financial assistance from Community Development Block Grants, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, and The Henry & Marilyn Taub Foundation. Moreover, Act Now Foundation benefits from the generosity of corporate sponsors who share our commitment to supporting individuals affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.