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.

Act Now Foundation President Kristine Allen speaking at the Brain Health and Community Resource Fair in New Jersey

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:

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.
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.

Act Now Foundation featured during the filming of ABC7 NY special on dementia care and caregiver support

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.