Beautifully Minded
Nneka Perry
Toronto
Nneka’s project is a grassroots, Black-led initiative dedicated to supporting Black caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer’s and Dementia and born from Nneka’s personal caregiving journey with her mother, alongside years of community work that revealed a lack of culturally responsive services for Black families. She wanted to create culturally rooted spaces that uplift caregivers, reduce stigma, and foster community connection. Over the past year, Beautifully Minded provided workshops, toolkits, and storytelling opportunities that helped caregivers feel seen, supported, and less alone.
A Year of Culturally Rooted Care
Beautifully Minded is a celebration of cultural strength, community care, and resilience. It has fostered a sense of belonging and visibility among Black caregivers who often feel unseen in mainstream services. Early feedback indicated participants feel less isolated, more confident advocating for their loved ones, and empowered to prioritize their own well-being. Connections built through caregiver circles will lead to organic peer-to-peer support networks that form beyond formal programming.
Over the past year, Beautifully Minded engaged caregivers and families through workshops, toolkits, storytelling sessions, and a launch event that brought together community members, healthcare professionals, and local partners. The project reduced isolation among caregivers, fostered dialogue about dementia within Black communities, and strengthened access to culturally relevant resources.
Caregivers reported feeling “seen” and “supported” in ways they had not before.
Nneka learned that stigma and silence around dementia deeply affect Black families, yet the community is hungry for safe, affirming spaces to share stories and learn together. She discovered that building trust requires consistency, humility, and centring lived experience. The project also highlighted the importance of intergenerational voices, as younger family members often play critical roles in caregiving.
The project faced several challenges, including limited resources, balancing grassroots growth with organizational development, and addressing the emotional weight of caregiver stories. Beautifully Minded leveraged a B3 grant from the City of Toronto, sought capacity-building support, and created moments of collective care within programs to ensure both caregivers and organizers felt supported.
New partnerships deepened throughout the year. Collaborations included the City of Toronto Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit and CEE, who served as trustee and mentor. Relationships with health professionals and caregiver networks helped broaden reach and credibility. Nneka hopes to continue growing Beautifully Minded as a trusted hub for Black caregivers, expanding toolkits, hosting regular support circles, and exploring collaborations with healthcare providers. The long-term vision is to establish a sustainable program that can scale across the province.
There is a strength in leading with vulnerability and lived experience. This leadership style is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and creating space for others to lead.
She learned the importance of pacing and balancing vision with sustainable growth. She helped break stigma, reduce isolation, and bring caregivers together in ways that affirmed their cultural identities and experiences. Participants often shared that this model of care and connection was something “missing” from existing supports.
OCC opened doors to mentorship, funding, and broader networks of community leaders. It amplified Beautifully Minded’s visibility and positioned the project as a pioneering voice in culturally competent dementia care. Personally, Nneka plans to continue growing as a community advocate for Alzheimer’s and Dementia, exploring leadership opportunities that integrate policy, advocacy, and on-the-ground support.
Her ideal future community is one where every caregiver feels supported, valued, and resourced. It is where dementia care in the Black community is met with compassion, not stigma. It is a community where Black families have access to culturally competent services, where intergenerational knowledge is celebrated, and where collective care ensures that no one navigates caregiving alone.
About Nneka Perry
Nneka Perry is the founder of Beautifully Minded, a community-driven initiative dedicated to supporting Black caregivers and families affected by Alzheimer’s and Dementia. With over two decades of experience in youth and community development, she brings a deep commitment to nurturing resilience, promoting culturally relevant support, and fostering community connection. Beautifully Minded was inspired by her personal journey caring for her mother with dementia, igniting a mission to dismantle stigma and provide accessible, culturally rooted resources to Black families.
Instagram: @beautifullymindedca
Website: beautifullyminded.ca
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