History

• 

  1980

  Two sisters, Rebecca Clement and Beverly Tallman, were caring for their mother with dementia, and upon realizing little information and few services were available for individuals in their circumstances, began grassroots outreach efforts. Becky and Beverly formed the first Caregiver Support Group.

• 

  1984

  The group incorporates under the name “Alzheimer’s Disease Family Support Group”. From inception, the Agency served the entire state of Alaska. The founders traveled throughout the state, providing education and support for individuals and families. The organization applied to the State of Alaska and received its first grant, the ADRD Education and Outreach grant for $28,000. The Agency provides supportive services for caregivers, including:
  • Information, referral, and educational services
  • Provider consultations and trainings
  • Family consultations and on-going family support
  • Support groups

• 

  1986

  Fairbanks office opens.

• 

  1992

  •Organization affiliates with the Alzheimer’s Association and name is changed to “Alzheimer’s Association, Alaska Chapter”.
  •Juneau office opens.
  •Agency begins providing in-home respite services. Areas served include: Anchorage, Southcentral, Southwest, and Northwest.

• 

  1994

  Agency becomes certified and begins providing services under the Medicaid Waiver Program.

• 

  1996

  Agency begins providing Care Coordination Services.

• 

  1998

  Palmer office opens.

• 

  1999

  “Pathways to Aging” – Two-day statewide conference.

• 

  2001

  •Strategic plan. Due to the agency’s continued growth, one of the major goals was: “Obtain additional space to accommodate services and staff”.
  •The board votes to disaffiliate from the Alzheimer's Association in order to focus on serving Alaskan's affected today while the Association directs it's efforts towards research.

• 

  2002

  The fund development committee formulated a fund raising plan and initiated a capital campaign - the “Building Our Future” campaign. A building was identified and the office moved to Abbott road in November under a lease arrangement.
  •ADRAA receives its first large bequest - $100,000, which was applied towards the capital campaign fund.

• 

  2003

  Started Consumer Directed Personal Care Attendant (CDPCA) Services.

• 

  2004

  •Capital Campaign was completed. ADRAA raised $1.2 million and purchased the Abbott road building in October.
  •Started offering Consumer Directed Personal Care Services (CDPCA).

• 

  2005

  •First “Amblin’ for Alzheimer’s” fundraising walk in Anchorage raised $30,000.
  •Chore services begin.

• 

  2007

  •Strategic Plan – Some of the most significant goals included: 1) renewed emphasis in Education and Support services with specific objectives of advocating for increased funding and 2) improving efficiency through utilizing better technology.
  •Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska participated in the Mayor’s Ball. Proceeds = $56,000.

• 

  2009

  The Mat-Su Health Foundation awarded ADRAA a $135,000 grant to increase the availability of in-home services in the Mat-Su Borough and renewed its commitment the following year with a $300,000 grant, for 3 years.

• 

  2011

  •Advocacy with the legislature yielded a $100,000 capital grant for ADRD Education & Support.
  •Established the Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska Research Fund with the University of Alaska Foundation to support research efforts in Alaska, specifically at UAF’s Alaska Basic Neuroscience Program.

• 

  2012

  Strategic Plan – Some of the program focus areas include: 1) enhance programs and prepare for continued growth of Alaska’s aging populations and 2) through outreach and education, ensure people know and support who we are and how to access services.

• 

  2013

  Advocacy with the administration and the legislature yielded an operational increase of $230,000 for ADRD Education & Support.

• 

  2014

  Alzheimer's Resource of Alaska celebrates 30 years of serving Alaska's seniors and their caregivers.
  The Amblin' For Alzheimer's fundraising walk also celebrates a milestone – 10 years of Amblin' until a cure is found.

• 

  2015

  In addition to our Education Department we began the process of becoming a Conflict Free Care Coordination Agency providing Person Centered Care Coordination for individuals who qualify for Medicaid Waiver, the Senior In Home Grant and other funding sources of Home and Community Based Services. Our Palmer office adds Care Coordination to our services already provided in the Mat-Su Valley.

• 

  2016

  Added Care Coordination to our Juneau office.