By Jason Goldstein, President of the Board, Mosaic
Every three seconds, someone in the world develops dementia, and for the 6.9 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, the diagnosis is just the beginning of a difficult journey. In New Jersey alone, 12.3% of the population—one in eight residents—faces this challenge, ranking among the highest rates in the country.
The burden extends far beyond those diagnosed. In 2023, 11.5 million family caregivers provided 18.4 billion hours of unpaid care to loved ones with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. Navigating this maze of caregiving often feels overwhelming, especially when faced with a complex web of healthcare providers, specialists, social services, and medication management.
Pamela, living with early-onset Alzheimer’s, shared her experience: “Following a dementia diagnosis, too many individuals and families are left on their own, groping in the dark for services that can help them. I don’t want others to go through what I did. I lost two to three years searching for answers. It was time could have spent differently.”(Alzheimer’s Association, 2024)[1]
Her story is not unique. Two in three dementia caregivers report struggling to find resources and support to meet their needs. The emotional toll is compounded by the financial burden, as unpaid caregivers juggle responsibilities that can consume their time, savings, and well-being. Without a clear path forward, every roadblock or detour in the system can have significant consequences.
Mosaic: Your Canvas for Community Change
This crisis calls for action—and a vision for a better future. That’s where Mosaic steps in. Dedicated to supporting families and individuals facing Alzheimer’s, Mosaic’s mission is to fill the gaps that leave so many struggling. By funding programs that provide caregiver education and dementia-friendly community initiatives, we aim to ease the burden and create a brighter path forward.
In our ever-changing world, the power of a united community has never been more evident. When individuals come together with shared goals and creative ideas, the possibilities are endless. We want to tap into the collective wisdom and passion of our neighbors to create meaningful change and fill the gaps in our community by funding programs that help where they’re needed most. But the real magic lies in your ideas. In the coming months, we’ll be asking you to think big and share your proposals for projects that will make a difference. What’s missing in our community? What dreams do you have for its future? This is your chance to turn those dreams into reality.
Imagine the impact of a program that connects seniors with students, fostering intergenerational learning. Or the creation of a green space that provides a safe haven for children to play and families to gather. These are just a few possibilities—but the true potential lies in what you can imagine.
We believe in the power of collective action and the creativity of our community members. By funding the most impactful and innovative ideas, Mosaic can be the spark that turns inspiration into transformation. Whether you’re an individual, part of a nonprofit, or simply someone with a vision, we invite you to join us in shaping the future.
So, start brainstorming. What does our community need? What’s your big idea? Together, through Mosaic, we can build a better tomorrow. Let’s make it happen. Reach out to Mosaic at office@mosaicgiving.org.
