The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) has awarded a $6,000 grant to UMC, a Neptune, New Jersey based nonprofit organization providing full-service senior living, healthcare, and home-based services across the state. The funding will support UMC’s Abundant Minds Café initiative, a free multifaceted brain health education program for independent older adults who may have concerns about early cognitive changes or mild cognitive impairment.
“As the number of people living with Alzheimer’s disease continues to rise, community-based programs are more important than ever,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s president and chief executive officer. “Families need access to meaningful support, education, and resources to help them maintain the best possible quality of life. We are proud to support UMC in providing critical services to individuals and families in the state affected by dementia.”
“We are honored to receive this support from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America,” said Mark Lenhard, President and CEO of UMC. “We are committed not only to serving residents within our senior living communities but also to supporting older adults throughout the broader community. Through the Abundant Minds Café, we provide no-cost education, practical strategies, and resources for people who want to support their brain health and better understand early cognitive changes. This grant will allow us to expand our reach and deepen our impact.”
At its core, Abundant Minds is based on the belief that brain health begins long before a diagnosis. Two of UMC’s full-service communities – The Shores in Ocean City, NJ and Collingswood Manor in Collingswood, NJ – host the Abundant Minds Café each month, and new participants can join at any time. Each session combines education and interventions focused on four evidence-based wellness domains: social engagement, physical activity, cognitive stimulation, and healthy lifestyle habits.
Founded in 1907, UMC is one of New Jersey’s largest nonprofit providers of senior living and aging services. Through a full continuum of care that includes independent living, assisted living, memory support, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, hospice, home-based care, and caregiver support, UMC helps older adults live with dignity, purpose, and choice throughout every stage of aging.
AFA is able to provide vital services, like this grant, as a result of the generosity of individual contributions, sponsorships, and fundraising activities. To help support these initiatives or learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and resources available to help families affected by it, visit www.alzfdn.org.