Sweet Readers empowers young people through training, transformative programs, and supportive communities to see beyond the masks of aging and Alzheimer's. Our mission is to help students discover the person behind the diagnosis and become catalysts for eldercare excellence.
We train middle school students to revitalize isolated adults in need and teach them to see beyond the masks of Alzheimer's and aging to become confident, empathic, adaptable and creative problem solvers.
We bridge diverse communities and train educators to integrate gender, race, socioeconomics and learning differences across three generations to strengthen and support our work.
We empower high school students to become catalysts for change through training, access, opportunity and community support.
While scientists race for a cure, over 50 million people, who will probably not benefit from drug breakthroughs, are struggling with the isolating effects of Alzheimer's or some form of dementia. Their struggle ripples through communities with an unsustainable, escalating cost to families and society. Their critical needs - to be seen, loved and have purpose - are universal.
Developed in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of neuroscientists, care providers, artists, and families, our award-winning Method of Creative Human Engagement has helped bridge over 50 communities in the US, UK, and Canada since 2011.
The Dynamic Synergies between a young person and a person living with early stage Alzheimer's, both at transformational times in their lives with rapidly changing bodies, brains and the uncertainty of not quite knowing what comes next powerfully shows us our common ground, shared humanity and the power of intergenerational engagement.
Special thanks to American Folk Art Museum, American Museum of Natural History, The Kreeger, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA, The New York Historical Society, The Rubin Museum and The Whitney. We also extend our gratitude to our network of over 250 eldercare centers and school partners, Sweet Readers, Young Leaders, our advisors, and our dedicated board for their generous support.