Good Shepherd Community Care receives $120,000 from the philanthropic arm of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan, Point32Health Foundation

NEWTON, MA – June 30, 2026 – Good Shepherd Community Care, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the highest quality care, support, and education for individuals and families experiencing or anticipating serious illness and loss, has been awarded a two year, $120,000 grant from Point32Health Foundation to expand its Alter Dementia Program.

Alter Dementia is a nationally recognized initiative that builds on the trusted role of faith communities to create sustainable, dementia-friendly environments at no cost to participating congregations.

The need for this work is significant. Black Americans are twice as likely as white Americans to be diagnosed with dementia, yet many communities continue to face barriers to education, resources, and culturally responsive care. Through this grant, Good Shepherd Community Care will expand outreach, strengthen African American community partnerships, and empower faith leaders and congregations to play a vital role in improving the quality of life for families affected by dementia while helping address longstanding health disparities. "Faith communities have always been places of refuge, wisdom, and belonging and that makes them uniquely positioned to walk alongside families navigating dementia," said Dr. Fayron, founder of the Alter Dementia Program. “This investment allows us to equip Black congregations in the Greater Boston area to truly become dementia-friendly faith spaces for the families who need them most.”

"We are incredibly grateful to Point32Health Foundation for its continued investment in the Alter Dementia Program and their shared commitment to advancing health equity," said Jennifer Sax, Vice President of Advancement at Good Shepherd Community Care. "This grant will enable more partnerships with additional Black faith communities across Greater Boston. Together, we are helping to build stronger, more informed communities where every family has access to the care, compassion, and support they deserve."

This grant is one of 21 new investments totaling more than $3.5 million from the philanthropic arm of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan, Point32Health Foundation.

“As a not-for-profit health plan, we know that healthier communities ensure better outcomes and more affordable care for everyone,” said Kristin Lewis, president of the Point32Health Foundation and executive vice president of Point32Health. “Through these investments we are working with community organizations to create environments where individuals can live with dignity, connection and opportunity as they age.”

About Good Shepherd Community Care
Good Shepherd Community Care is a not-for-profit organization specializing in hospice, palliative, and end of life care. At Good Shepherd, we envision a community in which every person is comforted by the abiding knowledge that they will be respected, valued, supported, and companioned when navigating serious illness or loss. Founded as Hospice of the Good Shepherd in 1978, it is the original Massachusetts hospice. After decades of caring for the Greater Boston and Metrowest communities we continue to remain community-based, not-for-profit and non-Sectarian. Fore more information, please visit www.gscommunitycare.org.

About Alter Dementia

Alter Dementia is a nonprofit, community-based organization founded in 2019 with the goal to educate and spread awareness of dementia. With a focus on African American communities and faith communities, Alter Dementia provides education and resources to those who may have loved ones diagnosed with dementia. Alter Dementia partners with organizations and congregations to provide ongoing support for those dealing with a dementia diagnosis, or simply looking to learn more about the condition. They offer consultations on how to properly integrate their practice within their communities as well as proper certifications for organizations and communities that partner with them. Their mission is to serve and enrich the lives of all members, including those with dementia and the families who love them by providing education, worship, and support.

About Point32Health
Point32Health, the parent company of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan, is a leading not-for-profit health and well-being organization dedicated to delivering high-quality, affordable health care. Serving nearly 2 million members, our purpose is to guide and empower healthier lives.

About Point32Health Foundation
Building on values of service and giving, Point32Health Foundation works with communities to support, advocate and advance healthier lives. Point32Health Foundation is the result of the combination of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation and Tufts Health Plan Foundation and supports communities in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.