My name is Lavee Jackson. I have been a caregiver for much of my life for family members, for friends, and right now, for my mother-in-law, who is living with dementia. Caregiving was never something I chose so much as something that chose me. It is simply in my nature to show up for the people I love.

At my church, I serve as an Alter Ambassador, working quietly behind the scenes to help our congregation become a more dementia-friendly community. One of the things closest to my heart is making sure that no caregiver and no person living with dementia ever feels left out from hearing the Word of God. I create short, accessible church services so that everyone, no matter where they are in their journey, has a place at the table.

I do not do any of this for recognition. I do it because I believe people deserve to feel seen, supported, and included, especially during some of life’s hardest seasons.

I also carry a quiet but deep desire to build something meaningful — programs that bring older and younger generations together around the shared experience of dementia. I believe there is so much wisdom, compassion, and healing that can flow between generations when we create the space for it. I am grateful to be part of this community and to play even a small role in making life a little easier for those walking this road.