JERSEY CITY, NJ – Act Now Foundation launched it's biggest project yet, the opening of the FIRST Alzheimer's Resource Center in Northern NJ. “We were honored that Mayor Fulop and Hudson County Executive, Tom De Gise, officiated the ribbon-cutting and the launch, of what will become, a home where families can go to get the answers they need to fight this disease head-on”, said Cary Lopez, Executive Director of Act Now Foundation. Also present at the ribbon-cutting were Freeholders… Show more JERSEY CITY, NJ – Act Now Foundation launched it's biggest project yet, the opening of the FIRST Alzheimer's Resource Center in Northern NJ. “We were honored that Mayor Fulop and Hudson County Executive, Tom De Gise, officiated the ribbon-cutting and the launch, of what will become, a home where families can go to get the answers they need to fight this disease head-on”, said Cary Lopez, Executive Director of Act Now Foundation. Also present at the ribbon-cutting were Freeholders Anthony Romano, Tilo Rivas, Anthony Vainieri, State Senator, Sandra Cunningham, Councilmen At-Large Perez and Rivera.For the past three years, Act Now Foundation has been working to create Alzheimer’s capable communities by raising awareness and educating urban communities about Alzheimer’s disease, prevention and early detection. Kristine Allen, President of Act Now Foundation stated, “ Our Alzheimer’s Resource Center of NJ will offer a less-formal and more supportive environment for families living with Alzheimer’s; because Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t only affect those diagnosed, it also affects the brave loved ones who stand up and care for someone fighting the disease. This Center is for them.”The Alzheimer’s Resource Center of NJ will be the first step many members of urban communities take towards a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. The mission of The Center will be to improve the quality of life for Alzheimer's patients and their families. Show less

Act Now Foundation was founded in 2012 in a typical grassroots fashion by Kristine Allen and Cary Lopez. Each of these women had a parent and/or grandparent with Alzheimer's disease and shared the frustration on not knowing where to turn for much needed help. So, they sold their business and founded Act Now Foundation. For the past three years they have been working to create Alzheimer's capable communities by raising awareness and educating low-income, urban communities about the disease.… Show more Act Now Foundation was founded in 2012 in a typical grassroots fashion by Kristine Allen and Cary Lopez. Each of these women had a parent and/or grandparent with Alzheimer's disease and shared the frustration on not knowing where to turn for much needed help. So, they sold their business and founded Act Now Foundation. For the past three years they have been working to create Alzheimer's capable communities by raising awareness and educating low-income, urban communities about the disease. Alzheimer’s disease touches every community, yet some groups are at greater risk of developing the disease. The lack of equity both social and environmental impacts the health and well-being of all and creates health disparities. Act Now Foundation seeks to eliminate or reduce health disparities and the impact of Alzheimer’s disease and to practice inclusiveness and equity in engaging communities to build supportive, Alzheimer’s-friendly environments.Some of the Foundation’s programs and campaigns include:• Seminars for family and professional caregivers on enhanced knowledge of the disease.• Awareness programs for public safety and law enforcement officials, local businesses, and the general public on behaviors exhibited by Alzheimer's patients, in order to foster a more Alzheimer's capable and supportive community.• Support groups for all ages, as Alzheimer's disease affects the entire family.• Free memory screenings to foster early diagnosis and treatment plans.• Case management services to help guide and improve the physical, emotional, and financial impacts of Alzheimer's.• Educational Workshops to professionals, family caregivers, those living with the disease, and the general public. Show less

A voluntary leadership role within Community Networking Association responsible for the overall planning, implementing and monitoring of activity related to the growth of the organization. The priority of the Board Chair position is to expand CNA into all 21 counties of New Jersey.

Co-wrote with Assemblyman Carmelo Garcia a 3 Bill Alzheimer's Care Package for the State of New Jersey; Alzheimer's Hospital/ER Notification Bill, Alzheimer's Listed on Death Certificate Bill, Alzheimer's Home-Health Care Training Bill. UPDATE: Governor Chris Christie signed into law the Mandate to list Alzheimer's disease as a secondary cause of death on death certificates as well as the increase of training Bill for Home Health Care Aides in the state of New Jersey! Already working on Bill… Show more Co-wrote with Assemblyman Carmelo Garcia a 3 Bill Alzheimer's Care Package for the State of New Jersey; Alzheimer's Hospital/ER Notification Bill, Alzheimer's Listed on Death Certificate Bill, Alzheimer's Home-Health Care Training Bill. UPDATE: Governor Chris Christie signed into law the Mandate to list Alzheimer's disease as a secondary cause of death on death certificates as well as the increase of training Bill for Home Health Care Aides in the state of New Jersey! Already working on Bill #4 for the Alzheimer's Care Package - Adding an Alzheimer's ID Bracelet program to all hospitals and ER's. Show less