The Alter Program
The Alter program’s mission is to inspire and equip faith-based organizations anchored in African-American communities to better support families affected by dementia and create Alter Champions. An Alter Champion is one that accepts and values people regardless of cognitive abilities; ensures that people living with dementia and their caregivers/care partners are supported through their journey; makes sure that people living with dementia and their caregivers/care partners are spiritually and pastorally supported and nurtured, and is supportive to what people living with dementia have to offer so that they may participate in their faith community.
The Alter program is the guiding light for churches and caregivers to keep the spiritual connection strong and vibrant with those living with dementia and works with churches to create dementia-friendly faith villages (i.e., infrastructures). Alter is currently seeking churches and faith-based coalitions throughout Georgia and beyond that are ready to be transformed into dementia-friendly faith villages. Please visit our website to learn more: alterdementia.com
Partnership Activities
In order to create a dementia-friendly environment, we request for several activities to be implemented over a 2-year period. Each church will implement core activities on the Partnership Checklist and select eight or more additional items/activities to implement in their organization to create a dementia-friendly environment. Other activities might also be suggested by the church.
Funding
We will award each church with a financial contribution to underwrite the implementation of activities associated with becoming an Alter Champion.
This program is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S.Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $3.75M with 0% percentage financed with nongovernmental sources.