
2025 Community Heroes grant recipient, The Tender, Inc. is a non-profit Adult Day Center and Caregiver Support Program in Mount Laurel, NJ, created with the sole purpose of providing for the specialized needs of seniors and their caregivers. Their name refers to the small boat (a tender) that ferries passengers from the shore to the waiting ship, a gentle metaphor for the journey of aging.
Executive Director and new Impact100 SJ member Sophia Ruis shared how the grant has made a significant difference for the organization. “The Tender is profoundly honored to have been a recipient of the inaugural Community Heroes Grant — a transformative gift that has ignited and accelerated our vision for growth and expansion to better serve our community.”
At The Tender, they understand the road ahead is daunting, but it only strengthens their resolve. The Community Heroes Grant has been a cornerstone of their efforts to rise to this challenge. With this support, they have:
- Revitalized their website and branding, ensuring their message of hope and resources reaches more families.
- Received invaluable training through Positive Approach to Care (PAC), led by world-renowned dementia care expert Teepa Snow, equipping them to deliver hands-on skills training and dementia consultations to caregivers and community members alike. This training empowers caregivers to better understand the realities of brain changes, offering not only practical tools but also fostering hope – hope, that even in the face of dementia, purpose and connection remain within reach.
- Most significantly, The Tender has taken a monumental step forward by acquiring a larger property to build a groundbreaking dementia day center. This future facility will feature dedicated spaces for training, education, and support — a beacon of care and innovation for our community.
The journey ahead is one of determination and compassion. Thanks to the Community Heroes Grant and the unwavering support of our community, The Tender is poised to make a lasting impact — because together, their goal is to ensure that every person living with dementia and their caregivers feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Alzheimer Facts:
- Alzheimer’s disease is a growing public health crisis, and its impact is deeply felt here in New Jersey.
- The numbers are staggering: 185,300 people aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in New Jersey.
- 494 million hours of unpaid care are provided by caregivers annually.
- The value of this unpaid care totals an astonishing $10.8 billion.
- Among caregivers, 62.3% struggle with chronic health conditions, 27.9% face depression, and 12.8% report poor physical health.
- Nationally, nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s today—a number projected to rise to nearly 13 million by 2050. These statistics are not just numbers; they represent loved ones, families, and caregivers facing immense challenges every day.



