The Cedars’ community-based Mindful Connections Program has been awarded a $125,000 grant from the Alzheimer’s Association’s Center for Dementia Respite Innovation (CDRI). This funding will enhance the quality and availability of dementia-specific respite care for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers in the Greater Portland area.
The Cedars is one of just 41 organizations selected from more than 200 applicants nationwide to receive this competitive grant. The funding will support the expansion of Mindful Connections, a program that uses innovative, research-based therapies tailored to each participant’s unique life experiences and preferences. The program helps older adults with memory loss live in the moment with strength, purpose, and joy.
Recognizing that dementia can accelerate both physical and mental decline, The Cedars takes a holistic approach to care, addressing six dimensions of wellness: physical, intellectual, occupational, social, spiritual, and emotional. Mindful Connections is designed for individuals in the early to moderate stages of memory loss who are still living independently. It also provides essential resources and respite for caregivers, while promoting health and hope for participants.
“The Cedars is excited to be included in this elite group of community-based service providers,” said Kathryn Callnan, The Cedars President and CEO. “Caring for someone living with dementia can be overwhelming. This grant will help us provide much-needed dementia-specific respite care and services for people living with dementia and their caregivers in the Greater Portland area.”
In addition to the grant, The Cedars will receive online training and ongoing technical assistance from the CDRI to ensure its services are dementia-capable and sustainable. The CDRI will also collect data and evaluate the impact of all funded projects to inform future public policy.
“We congratulate The Cedars on its grant and look forward to working with its team to help enhance respite care services for local dementia caregivers,” said Sam Fazio, Ph.D., Vice President of Care and Support Programs and Research at the Alzheimer’s Association. “Our goal is to learn from each funded program and build a comprehensive catalog of tools and resources for caregivers and care providers nationwide.”
The Alzheimer’s Association established the CDRI in 2024 with a $25 million grant from the Administration for Community Living (ACL), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Over the next four years, the CDRI will distribute $25 million in grants to local organizations to improve respite care across the country. To view the full list of this year’s grant recipients, visit alz.org/cdri.
Funding Disclosure
This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as part of a financial assistance award totaling $13,261,685, with 75% funded by ACL/HHS and 25% ($3,285,728) funded by non-government sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, ACL/HHS or the U.S. Government.
For more information on Mindful Connections, call 221-7000, extension #1456.