Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Baldelomar.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Joe. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started in the non-profit industry approximately 15 years ago. I truly believe that my mission in life is to help others in the community; specially our underprivileged communities and those more vulnerable. Communities that are at a higher risk for poor health as a result of the barriers they experience to social, economic, political and environmental resources, as well as limitations due to illness or disability.
For years I used to work at the American Red Cross Broward County and the Palm Beach, Martin and Treasure Coast Chapter and was inspired by all the amazing volunteers that give their time and knowledge to help those in need without expecting anything in return. This reassured me that I was on the right path! As my time at Red Cross passed, I was fortunate to have been offered a position with the Alzheimer’s Association as a Program Manager. The mission, vision and core values of the organization are part of my core beliefs and I feel blessed every-time I get to help someone.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
So far, I had several bumpy spots on my road, but I have been able to continue learning from everything and everyone that comes into my life. If we do not experience struggles in life, we will never be able to learn and redirect our goals and mission on this road. I am very blessed to have wonderful parents and great brothers that are my support and of course, very special friends. Sometimes we forget to see how blessed we are and struggles show us that no matter what happens, we are capable of overcoming anything that is thrown into our life.
Please tell us about Alzheimer’s Association Southeast Florida Chapter.
Formed in 1980, the Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our Vision: A world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Our Mission: The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
As a Program Manager, I specialize in facilitating support groups; to provide care and support for all those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. I also provide educational programs for the general public, both online and in-person, feature information on topics such as diagnosis, warning signs, communication, living with Alzheimer’s disease and caregiving techniques.
We provide clinicians with the tools to diagnose Alzheimer’s and to educate people with the disease on available therapies and resources and we educate our nation’s lawmakers on the Alzheimer’s crisis and engage them in our efforts to fight the disease; our awareness campaigns explain the difference between Alzheimer’s and typical aging, and the power of early detection.
I am very proud to be able to help those whom are affected by the disease and their family members and to remind them that they are not alone in this fight. What sets us apart from others is that we are largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research, the Association is committed to accelerating the global progress toward methods of treatments, preventions and ultimately, a cure. Currently, the Association is investing $167 million in more than 500 active best-of-field projects in 27 countries.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My clients deserve credit because they have help me to see from a different perspective; that no matter what is going on in life, we have a commitment to take care of each other. It has been a very humbling experience. Also, our volunteer’s passion and commitment to the organization makes me feel that I am part of something beautiful and amazing.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3323 W Commercial Blvd. Suite 260
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 - Website: www.alz.org
- Phone: 954-786-1533/ 800-272-3900 24-hour Helpline
- Email: jhbaldelomar@alz.org
- Instagram: @lebrownjew
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