About us
The Alzheimer’s Association - Northeastern New York Chapter
The Northeastern New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association serves a 17-county area in the northeastern most corner of New York State. These counties cover over 15,000 square miles, representing approximately 30% of New York State, and are home to 1.5 million people. It is estimated that 40,000 of the friends and neighbors living in this area have Alzheimer’s disease. As is the fact across the country, almost 80% of all persons who have Alzheimer’s live at home and are cared for by a family caregiver and 1 out of 3 adults personally know someone with the disease. This means that there are approximately ½ million people in the northeastern region of New York who need education, information and referral services and approximately 24,000 family caregivers who need support, respite care and an array of tools to help them with this difficult task.
We pride ourselves for being here for our families and those who work with our families. To make sure that we are accessible we have an administrative office in Albany and 11 Point-of-Services located throughout the region, including Sidney, Delhi, Cooperstown, Glens Falls, Queensbury, Indian Lake, Hudson, Catskill, Johnstown, Amsterdam and Fort Edward.
Our mission
To eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
Our vision
A world without Alzheimer's disease.
Financial information
The Northeastern New York Chapter is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, donor-supported organization. Programs and services are made possible through contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations. The chapter uses more than 75% funds raised for programs, services and research efforts.
Annual report
Click here for 2005-2006 Annual Report
Strategic plan
Strategic Plan
July 2008 through June 2011
The Board of Directors of the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York has approved this Long-Range Strategic Plan to guide the work at the Association over the next three years to help us most effectively and efficiently achieve our mission: “To eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health” and vision: “A world without Alzheimer’s.”
Goal I
Provide and Enhance Care & Support
1. Increase the number of people accessing services by 15 percent.
2. Increase services by 25 percent in underserved populations, including, but not limited to ethnically, culturally, gographically and intellectually diverse populations.
3. Enhance care and support for families throughout our 17-county region by offering our five core services monthly.
4. Achieve a 90 percent customer satisfaction rating of "excellent".
5. Sustain and build professional trainings.
Goal II
Advance Research
1. Create a more effective & diverse Medical Advisory Committee.
2. Clarify to the public the Association's support of Research through donations.
3. Use Medical Advisory Committee to clarify & prioritize & filter research & clinical news from both National office and media.
4. Create a Research & Science Educator & Medical position on staff.
5. Advocate for an increase in federal funding of Alzheimer's research.
Goal III
Increase Community
1. Develop a volunteer training curriculum.
2. Engage local communities in fund development activities to support regional programs.
3. Increase the number of volunteers by 15 percent.
4. Increase the number of third party events by 25 percent.
5. Increase attendance at our special events by 20 percent.
Goal IV
Increase Organizational Capacity
1. Cumulative revenue of $1,000,000 from special events.*
2. Cumulative revenue of $405,000 from individual giving.*
3. Cumulative revenue of $750,000 from grants.
4. Cumulative revenue of $15,000 from earned income.
5. Ensure that the Association has enough qualified and trained staff to fulfill its mission. 6. Increase the Association's technological capacity.
Goal V
Promote Concern and Awareness
1. Educate the public about Alzheimer's disease, its characteristics and effects and develop public support for the Association and its goals.
2. Be the preeminent resource for information about Alzheimer's disease.
3. Promote consistent message and integrate Alzheimer's issues and Association core messages in all communications.
4. Dramatically increase the reach, influence and effectiveness of advocacy to advance the Association's mission through improved local, state and federal policy.
Board of directors – Northeastern New York
Officers
Paul A. Wajda, LUTCF, CLTC – ChairWarren E. Garling – Vice Chair
Jennifer Allinson – Treasurer
Vera Dordick – Secretary
Directors
Renee Abdou-Malta
Will Burgett
JulieAnn Calareso
Timothy Cietek
Christoph Hergersberg, PhD
Terry & Carol Kirkey
Nancy Klucserits
Anthony Lazillo
Fr. Kevin Mullen
Skip Phillips
Mary Rozak
Skip Sgarlata
Lori Snyder
Nancy Stollsteimer
Our history
The Northeastern New York Chapter was separately incorporated in 1982 as the Capital Region Chapter. It was started under the watchful eyes of four dedicated community leaders and caregivers, and over the past 28 years has served over 70,000 individuals.
1980s- During the first decade, we focused on developing support groups throughout our 17-county region and providing information, referral and support services to families living with Alzheimer’s disease via phone and face-to-face contact.
1990s – During the 90’s we institutionalized many of the programs that we provide today. We opened our Caregiver’s Resource Center in 1992 and in 1993 we implemented our first toll-free helpline number and began providing professional training for direct care staff and paraprofessionals. Early that decade we also became part of the national Safe Return Program®, and joined the New York State Coalition of Chapters with whom we developed our first coordinated, statewide legislative agenda. In 1995 we held our first Annual Awareness Dinner, and in 1996 we hosted our first annual Caregiver’s Conference. During those years we also expanded our presence by developing satellite offices in Plattsburg, Oneonta and Queensbury.
2000s –During the first half of this decade, we continued to grow our core programs. We adopted the national 800 number which allowed us to be available to our families 24/7 and began providing education to physicians and emergency personnel. We spearheaded a large Train the Trainer initiative which allowed us to significantly expand our education of professional caregivers and establish our leadership in that arena. In 2001, and then again in 2004 we were selected to participate in a three-year pilot program which assured that people with dementia have access to services and helped to develop a dementia competent workforce e through a federal AOA grant. In 2001 we developed a Children’s Education program and in 2005 we launched the nationally supported programs Maintain your Brain® and Quality Care Program®. During this time we also changed the way we deliver services to our outlaying areas from a model of Satellite Office to a more efficient and cost effective Point-of Service model. By the end of 2005, we had a programs and services staff housed in eight community-based offices such as senior centers, Offices of Aging and congregate meal sites throughout our region.
