Val's Volunteer Story

Valerie Powell has been connected with the Alzheimer Society for many years, first as Executive Director of the Alzheimer Society of Waterloo-Wellington, then through her work as a Psychogeriatric Resource Consultant in Simcoe County and Behavioural Support System Coordinator in North Simcoe Muskoka (NSM). Several years ago, Valerie was recruited to serve on the Board of Directors of the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County. Immediately, she was impressed at the professionalism of the Board. “All members are committed and knowledgeable in a specific field. There isn’t any frustration at Board meetings because we work together, contributing our expertise to find solutions and come to a consensus.”

Valerie remembers that in the early stages of our history, we had to raise all the funds necessary to provide programs and services to those living with dementia and their care partners. Today we have base funding from the NSM Local Health Integration Network, and we source grants wherever we can. However, it is a challenge to raise enough funds to meet the needs of the ever-increasing number of people with dementia. “It is important that the public knows that the funds raised by the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County are used very efficiently” says Valerie. “We need the funds we receive at our events, and from memorial and general donations so that we can support the delivery of programs and services for those living with dementia and their carer partners.”

Valerie cared for her mother who had Alzheimer’s disease. She is the main carer for her husband Jamie who had a stroke some time ago and lives with some cognitive issues. Valerie and Jamie have two adult children who work in the arts.