#United States #Adler Aphasia Center #Endowment Fund #Aphasia Community #Maywood, New Jersey

Adler Aphasia Center's New Endowment Fund

On April 13, 2026, the Adler Aphasia Center proudly announced the establishment of a new Endowment Fund aimed at supporting individuals affected by aphasia. According to the National Institutes of Health, around 2 million Americans suffer from aphasia, a language disorder typically acquired from strokes. This initiative represents a significant milestone in the Center's ongoing mission to provide vital resources to those impacted by this condition.

The Endowment Fund will serve as a pioneering source of scholarship support for members of the Center, securing essential financial resources for years to come. Currently, the Center operates in New Jersey, impacting over 14,000 individuals and collaborating with more than 425 institutions across the state. The goal is to ensure that anyone in need of services will have access, regardless of their financial situation.

This ambitious initiative receives a substantial initial contribution from Lisa and Richard Gelmetti. Lisa, an experienced speech-language pathologist with over 40 years in the field, also serves as an adjunct professor at Seton Hall University, where she guides future professionals in working with aphasia patients. Together, the Gelmetti family has shown an unwavering commitment to supporting the mission of the Adler Aphasia Center.

One Center member, Joshua, shared his heartfelt gratitude, stating, “Thank you for giving me a scholarship to come to the Center. When I walked into Adler for the first time, I began to understand that improving is a journey. It’s not merely a class; it’s a community. Without the scholarship, I wouldn't know where I’d be today.”

Naomi Gewirtz, the President and CEO of the Adler Aphasia Center, emphasized the new reality the organization faces after the passing of founders Mike and Elaine Adler. Gewirtz noted the critical role that donors like Lisa and Richard Gelmetti play in magnifying the Center’s efforts to help its members regain their communication skills and rebuild their social connections. She remarked, “Establishing this endowment is a transformative step for Adler. It secures our ability to pursue our mission in perpetuity.”

In 2026, the Center anticipates providing specialized training to over 550 healthcare professionals and students, equipping them to better support individuals living with aphasia. The endowment will be managed for long-term growth, ensuring continuous annual support to the Center’s members through scholarships, which will facilitate their participation and growth within the community.

The Adler Aphasia Center, which has been operational since 2003, aims to develop awareness about aphasia and enhance the lives of those affected by the condition as well as their families. They strive to be an innovative leader in offering care and support to this community, firmly establishing a safe and caring space for all.

For those interested in contributing to this significant initiative, the Adler Aphasia Center invites donations through their website. By supporting scholarships, individuals can directly impact the lives of those living with aphasia in New Jersey.

To learn more about their mission and how to contribute, visit the Adler Aphasia Center website.