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About us

mission & history

our mission & FOCUS

Beyond Dementia Coalition seeks to reduce stigma and inspire people through awareness and education to recognize, engage, assist, and ultimately embrace people living with dementia as valued and beloved members of the community. We are committed to bringing dementia education and other support programs to Hall County and North Georgia in collaboration with national and local organizations. These programs are available to caregivers, both paid and unpaid, as well as friends, neighbors, first responders, businesses, faith groups, and all members of the community.

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS

In order to make our mission a reality, we will need support from the community, including volunteers who can help with the staging of educational events and implementation of support programs. If you are interested in learning more about our volunteer opportunities please click GET INVOLVED below.
GET INVOLVED
To begin a conversation with Beyond Dementia Coalition about becoming a volunteer, please use our Contact Form and select "Information on Volunteering" as the auto-fill Subject Line.

our history

Jill Crunkleton, a licensed clinical social worker in Gainesville, GA, founded Beyond Dementia Coalition after seeing a critical need for more awareness about and acceptance of people living with dementia. Crunkleton envisioned a time when all communities are dementia-informed and capable and all those living with dementia are not only accepted but also valued in their community. Through her leadership, the Coalition was able to define its mission and identify strategic steps to realize that mission. During COVID-19, the Coalition took a hiatus, but has renewed its focus and orchestrated two major accomplishments in 2022 - one was the Emergency Comfort Kit project in partnership with the American Red Cross and Wisdom Project 2030 and another under the umbrella of the Brenau University Lifelong Learning Institute (BULLI) with a course focused on dementia caregiving for spouses. Thanks to initial funding for startup provided by Cresswind LL Community Fund, Inc., Beyond Dementia Coalition is now a 501-c-3 non-profit, led by Board Chairman Bill Wittel and based in Gainesville, GA. Wittel has assembled a founding Board of Directors who bring an array of current or former corporate, non-profit, and civic leaders to the team. We are also grateful to North Georgia Community Foundation for providing non-profit leadership support as we formalize our organizational structure.
Where we are today
In our first 12 months of operation as a formal organization, Beyond Dementia Coalition has reached over 1,000 northeast Georgians with our programs and trainings, including first responders, social workers, dementia care staff, health care providers, public health officials, educators, students, family caregivers, and the general public. Beyond Dementia Coalition also participates in area Alzheimer's Association WALKS and presents educational forums on dementia in 55+ residential communities and to professional groups. Our organization has joined the membership of other organizations serving related goals, including Northeast Georgia Senior Resources, Adults Caring for Aging Parents, and Helping Hall County. We are currently recruiting volunteers, donors, and sponsors to help us meet our 2024 program goals, especially volunteers and sponsors for our dementia symposium, Closing the Preparedness Gap, on September 25 at Lakewood Baptist Church. This event is the only one of its kind in Northeast Georgia this year, with a full day of programming focused entirely on dementia. It is open to the public, but event registration is required. We have several packaged educational programs that support our mission and are available for corporate entities, non-profits, educational institutions, faith groups, and government agencies. The Virtual Dementia Tour, VDT PRO and VDT PRO PLUS, and Dementia Care Staff Training, and others can be customized for your industry and/or organization. Beyond Dementia Coalition is grateful to receive your tax-deductible donation HERE.

Get involved

Learn how we can work together to bring dementia knowledge, support, and resources to everyone in Hall County and North Georgia.
GET INVOLVED