Act Now Foundation Awards, Achievements & Affiliations
Act Now Foundation is a leading Alzheimer’s and dementia advocacy nonprofit in New Jersey, recognized for advancing caregiver support, public awareness, community education, and legislative change. Our work strengthens dementia care standards, promotes dementia-friendly communities, and ensures individuals living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias receive the dignity and resources they deserve.
Professional Memberships & Leadership Roles
We are proud to partner with national and local organizations to expand our impact across New Jersey:
- Co-Chair & Founding Member (since 2023) – Bergen County Dementia Friendly Initiative
- Co-Chair & Founding Member (since 2022) – Hudson County Food Security Task Force
- Member (since 2019) – Hudson County Office of Inclusion & Accessibility Advisory Council
- Elected Member (since 2019) – Hudson County Human Services Advisory Council
- Elected Member (since 2018) – Hudson County Mental Health Board
- Founding Member (since 2016) – Hudson County Caregiver Coalition
- Member (since 2015) – Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
- Alois Society Member (since 2015) – Alzheimer’s Association
- Former Board Chair (2015–2018) – Community Networking Association of New Jersey
Legislative Achievements
In 2016, Act Now Foundation co-authored two landmark New Jersey Alzheimer’s laws that continue to improve dementia care statewide:
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Bill S2960 – Expanded Home Health Aide Training
Requires dementia-specific training for New Jersey Home Health Care Aides, raising care quality for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
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Bill S2961 – Mandatory Cause-of-Death Reporting
Requires Alzheimer’s disease to be listed on death certificates when applicable, ensuring accurate statistics, better public health planning, and improved research data. Supported by Act Now Foundation’s upcoming Make Alzheimer’s Count! awareness campaign.
These legislative victories have strengthened caregiver resources, enhanced Alzheimer’s care standards, and advanced New Jersey’s commitment to dementia advocacy.
Awards & Recognitions
Our work has been honored at the local, state, and federal levels for excellence in Alzheimer’s advocacy, caregiver support, and community impact.To date, we have received:
- Congressional Awards – 3
- United States Senate Awards – 3
- Proclamations – 7
- NJ General Assembly Awards – 3
- Citation Awards – 3
- Resolutions – 5
Award Highlights
| Year | Award/Recognition | Awarding Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Co-Founders Spotlighted in Dementia Podcast Episode | abc7NY |
| 2025 | Featured for Leading the Virtual Dementia Tour | abc7NY |
| 2025 | Cary Lopez Interviewed for Alzheimer’s Awareness Month | Univision Contigo |
| 2025 | Named to NJ Policy Makers Power List | Insider NJ |
| 2024 | Named to NJ Policy Makers Power List | Insider NJ |
| 2023 | Featured in an ABC Special | abc7NY |
| 2023 | International Women of the Year | Town of West New York |
| 2023 | Named to NJ Policy Makers Power List | Insider NJ |
| 2022 | Named to NJ Policy Makers Power List | Insider NJ |
| 2021 | Honored for Senior Support During Pandemic | Northern NJ Community Foundation |
| 2021 | Honored for Senior Support During Pandemic | Amfund Foundation |
| 2021 | Honored for Senior Support During Pandemic | Ponce de Leon Foundation |
| 2021 | Honored for Senior Support During Pandemic | Town of West New York |
EXPLORE MORE:
- Financial Transparency– Learn about our funding sources and program support.
- Our Impact – See the measurable outcomes of our work.
- History & Milestones – Discover key moments in our journey to building a dementia-friendly New Jersey.