WHO WE ARE
In 2009, two local business owners' families were separately hit with the devastating disease known as Alzheimer's. They spent years struggling to find local, relevant support and information to improve the quality of life for their loved ones. After several years of researching, training, living, caring and comforting their loved ones with Alzheimer's disease, they decided something more had to be done. So, they sold their successful fragrance business and launched Act Now Foundation.
Since 2012, Act Now Foundation, a grass roots not-for profit, has worked tirelessly to raise awareness, advocate and educate New Jersey about Alzheimer's disease, prevention, and early detection.
The foundations' work continues in memory of francisca I. Lopez.
"She will continue to be our inspiration and motivation to build Awareness about Alzheimer's disease."
We are part of the 44 million Americans who have been touched by Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Who We Are
Act Now Foundation was founded by Kristine Allen (President) and Cary Lopez (Executive Director), who previously owned & operated a successful busniess in the fragrance industry for over 16 years. In 2015, they opened the first Alzheimer's Resource Center in Northern New Jersey that offers a less formal and more supportive environment for families living with Alzheimer’s disease. Today they are connecting people to vital community resources & information on aging and dementia; while developing innovative new approaches to aging issues. Additionally, Stacy Hutsell joined as Program Director in 2015 to run program and project management.
What is Act Now Foundation
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, and Steering Committee Co-Chair of the Community Networking Association of Hudson County. They have received Citation Awards from the City of Hoboken, Jersey City, and have been awarded two Proclamations from the Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Mayor of Jersey City, Steven Fulop.
Laws Created in Part by Act Now foundation
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.
Act Now Foundation is a 501C-3 Nonprofit which is accountable to a 7-member Board of Directors, including socially active NJ politicians and business leaders.
ADVOCATE
We effect meaningful change and build hope for those who are affected by Alzheimer’s.
SUPPORT
We provide community support needed to give the best quality of life for Alzheimer's patients and their families.
SCREEN
We conduct memory screening to detect the symptoms of dementia early and give people an opportunity to prepare.
EDUCATE
We reduce the impact of Alzheimer’s on urban communities and engage these communities to build supportive, capable, and Alzheimer’s educated environments.