I am hoping that when you read this
newsletter the economic picture has
brightened. As our President and CEO noted, like many charities, our Chapter
has been affected by the economy. However,
this has not prevented us from carrying out
our essential programs and services. And
equally important, it has not prevented us
from seeking support in creative ways.
What I want to focus on is that despite the
challenging economic environment, the New
York City Chapter continues to be a vital safety
net for New Yorkers affected by Alzheimer’s
disease and related dementias. There has been
a dramatic increase in the number of calls to
our 24-hour Helpline; there is a “wait list”
for Family Caregiver Workshops designed to
teach family members coping skills and how
to manage the challenging behaviors associated
with dementia; our seminars on legal and
financial planning, Medicaid home care, and
research updates are filled to capacity. We have
just about outgrown the space we moved into
just 2 ½ two years ago. How can we not move
forward successfully?
Equally important is the dedication of
staff responsible for ensuring and sustaining
quality programming. Our care consultants
knowledgeably counsel a family, not just once,
but through the long duration of this terrible
disease. They make sure that families receive
the care that they deserve. Our MedicAlert +
Safe Return staff present, often after hours, our
Medic Alert + Safe Return program to social
service agencies, community organizations
and our own NYPD to ensure that persons
with dementia who wander are found safely.
And, our Early Stage Services Director has
developed two new programs this year to
engage persons in the early stage in social and
cognitively stimulating activities and provide
new avenues of support and education for
their family members.
Like many development professionals, I read
financial reports and follow funding trends.
While this is a very challenging time, experts
suggest that those non-profits that survive
will 1) have a diversified revenue stream and
a variety of opportunities to give; 2) engage
leadership that is prepared to address and adapt
to changes in the coming year and 3) have
built solid and longstanding relationships with
donors and friends.
I believe that our Chapter has the expertise
to safely see us through this storm. For those
who have met Lou-Ellen Barkan and our
Trustees, you know that the organization
is in very good hands; run cost-effectively
and managed for stability. And for those of
you who know Jed Levine and members of
the program staff, you know that you have
been wisely counseled by a compassionate,
committed and knowledgeable team. And, I
know that our friends, both old and new, will
step up and support our work so that no one
will face Alzheimer’s disease alone.
As you know, our programs and services
are provided without charge. As always, please
contact me if you would like to make a gift, or
need further information. And thank you, as
always, for your help.
— Carol Berne
Vice President,
Leadership Giving
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