HISTORY & MILESTONES

BUILDING A DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY NEW JERSEY

2009
Our Co-Founders’ families were personally impacted by Alzheimer’s disease, sparking a lifelong commitment to dementia awareness and support in New Jersey.
2012
Co-Founders Kristine Allen and Cary Lopez sold their successful fragrance business to launch Act Now Foundation, a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to Alzheimer’s and dementia education, advocacy, and support services for seniors and caregivers.
2016
First public funding received from the Hudson County Office on Aging, expanding access to Alzheimer’s and dementia support services.
Co-Founders co-wrote two New Jersey laws requiring Alzheimer’s disease to be listed on death certificates (when applicable) and expanding training requirements for Home Health Aides to improve dementia care.
2017
Hosted 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 support from the Henry & Marilyn Taub Foundation.
2018
Opened our new headquarters, the Dementia Resource Center, in Northern Hudson County to serve as a hub for Alzheimer’s education, caregiver training, and community events.
2019
Received funding from the Bergen County Division of Senior Services.
Awarded a New Jersey Census Grant to ensure seniors were accurately counted.
2020
Launched the Food4Life Project with Moms Meals to provide dietary-specific meals to homebound seniors during the pandemic, supporting nutrition, safety, and continuity of care.
2021
Launched the Wellness Program to ensure caregivers and individuals living with dementia continued receiving support during the pandemic.
Honored by the City of West New York, Ponce de Leon Foundation, AmFund Foundation, and Northern NJ Community Foundation for outstanding service to seniors.
2022
Celebrated 10-Year Anniversary.
Expanded programs into Essex County with funding from Essex County Division of Senior Services.
Co-Founders named to the 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.
2023
Introduced the Bergen County Dementia Friendly Initiative in partnership with the Bergen County Division of Senior Services.
Co-Founders named International Women of the Year by West New York.
Hosted the first 5K Walk & Run in partnership with HardGrove Charity.
Launched Care2Caregivers peer support program.
Featured on ABC News for Dementia Special.
2025
Co-Founders named to the NJ Policy Makers Power List 2025.
Featured on an ABC national segment on Alzheimer’s Awareness and National Family Caregivers Month.
ABC Podcast Spotlights Act Now Foundation Co-Founders in Dementia: The Caregivers’ Journey
Co-Founder Cary Lopez is interviewed for an Alzheimer’s Awareness Month special on Univision Contigo.
2026
We celebrated our Second Annual 5k Walk & Run for Dementia Awareness.