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.
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 conjunction 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. Read more here.
Thanks to initial funding for startup provided by Cresswind LL Community Fund, Inc., Beyond Dementia Coalition is pending approval as 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
Since July 1, 2023 Beyond Dementia Coalition has presented four dementia tours - leading off with a Virtual Dementia Tour exclusively for first responders in Hall County. 55 participants from law enforcement, fire and rescue, and EMT services in the area. Other VDTs were for private events and the general public. Beyond Dementia Coalition has also participated in three Alzheimer's Association WALKS and presented an educational forum on dementia. 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 meeting our 2024 program goals.
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. Many can be customized for your industry and/or organization.
On May 23, 2023, Beyond Dementia Coalition was officially accepted for fiscal sponsorship by the North Georgia Community Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people and nonprofits invest generously in the lives of all those who call North Georgia home. As an approved non-profit, this acceptance offers Beyond Dementia Coalition eligibility to apply for NGCF grants as well as a means to accept tax-deductible donations - a vital step to reach our fundraising goals.
Get involved
Learn how we can work together to bring dementia knowledge, support, and resources to everyone in Hall County and North Georgia.