Three months into her role as Executive Director of Alzheimers Coachella Valley (ACV), Paula Simonds says one thing has become abundantly clear: the need for education, support, and hope has never been greater.
After more than 25 years leading nonprofit organizations in the Coachella Valley, including serving as CEO of the Family YMCA of the Desert, Simonds accepted the opportunity to lead ACV because the mission is deeply personal.
“My family’s journey with Parkinson’s disease and dementia opened my eyes to how overwhelming these diagnoses can be,” Simonds said. “Families are looking for answers, resources, and someone to walk beside them. That’s exactly what Alzheimers Coachella Valley does.”
Since stepping into the Executive Director role, Simonds has focused on listening to families, volunteers, community partners, healthcare providers, and donors while evaluating opportunities to expand ACV’s impact. The first 90 Days has involved listening, learning and building. Simonds applauds the dedicated staff, board, volunteers and community who work alongside each other to provide a variety of programs and resource support. “When there is a sense of overall “ACV family support”, the foundation and future is on the very best course to continue to support our community.
Highlights from her first 90 days include: Continuing and strengthening relationships with healthcare systems, community organizations, and local leaders.
· Increasing community awareness through educational events, media outreach, and public presentations.
· In the process of working with the ACV Board and Staff on long-term strategic plans focused on sustainability, innovation, and expanded services.
· Growing volunteer and philanthropic engagement to ensure more families receive no cost support.
· Launching new conversations around reducing the stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
· Expanding partnerships that encourage proactive brain health, early screening, and caregiver education.
“Our goal is to help families earlier in their journey,” Simonds said. “The earlier people seek information and support, the more opportunities they have to maintain independence, improve quality of life, and plan for the future.”
As ACV continues to grow, Simonds envisions an organization that continues to be a trusted community resource for brain health and dementia support throughout the Coachella Valley. Future priorities include expanding educational programming, increasing caregiver resources, strengthening volunteer opportunities, building sustainable funding, and fostering a more dementia-friendly community where individuals living with cognitive change are understood, respected, and supported.
“Receiving a diagnosis should never mean losing hope,” Simonds said. “There is still purpose. There is still joy. There are still meaningful moments to create.” Alzheimers Coachella Valley provides its programs and services at no cost to participants, making community support essential. .Residents, businesses, and organizations can make a difference by:
· Volunteering their time and talents.
· Making a financial contribution to support free programs and services.
· Sponsoring educational and community events.
· Helping reduce the stigma surrounding dementia through education and advocacy.
· Encouraging family members and friends to seek help early when memory concerns arise.
“Creating a dementia and Parkinson’s friendly community is something all of us can do together,” Simonds said. “Every conversation, every volunteer, every donor, and every act of kindness helps a family feel less alone.”
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For additional information , please contact Paula Simonds 760-776-3100 | paula@cvalzheimers.org
