Compassionate care for those living with dementia.
In Honor of Mami Dominica Nkie
We advance awareness, dignity, and care for people living with dementia and other mental health conditions, while supporting caregivers, families, and older adults in Cameroon and underserved communities.
Our Story
The Dominica Mental Health Foundation, NFP was established in honor of Mami Dominica Nkie, born on July 3, 1939. Mami came from very humble beginnings and lived a life defined by faith, humility, hard work, generosity, compassion, and devotion to her family and community.
For more than fourteen years, Mami has lived with dementia. Her journey, and the experience of caring for her, has revealed both the profound emotional burden of dementia and the urgent need for better awareness, compassion, resources, and support for patients and families affected by mental health conditions in Cameroon and beyond.
“Too often, individuals living with dementia are misunderstood, isolated, neglected, or treated without the dignity they deserve. Their caregivers may feel overwhelmed, unsupported, and alone. The Dominica Mental Health Foundation was created to help change that reality.”
Through education, advocacy, caregiver support, and the future development of adult day-care and geriatric services, the Foundation will carry forward Mami Dominica Nkie’s legacy of love, faith, service, and compassion.
Mama Africa
To her grandchildren and the family, Mami was more than a name — she was a continent of love. The shirt she wore in her later years, with the outline of the African continent at its heart, was a daily reminder of who she was and where her people came from. The Foundation carries that symbol forward — care rooted in dignity, family, and a continent that is finally ready to care for its elders the way they deserve.
Mami in her home — the woman of today, the soul of yesterday.
Mission, Vision & Values
Our Mission
To improve awareness, understanding, dignity, and care for individuals living with dementia and other mental health conditions, while supporting caregivers, families, and older adults in Cameroon and underserved communities.
Our Vision
A society in which every person affected by dementia, mental illness, or aging receives compassionate, respectful, culturally appropriate care; every caregiver has access to education and support; and no family faces the journey alone.
Our Purpose
The Foundation honors Mami Dominica Nkie’s legacy by promoting compassion for vulnerable people, strengthening families, and creating practical pathways for better mental health and geriatric care.
Guiding Values
Every patient deserves kindness, patience, and understanding.
Dementia does not diminish a person’s worth, humanity, or right to respect.
Families and caregivers are essential partners in care and must be supported.
We believe in serving with humility, love, and hope, especially during difficult seasons.
Knowledge reduces fear, stigma, and harmful practices.
Better care requires communities that are informed, engaged, and willing to protect their most vulnerable members.
Core Objectives
Eight concrete commitments that guide our work, our partnerships, and our advocacy. We pursue them in Cameroon and in underserved communities around the world.
- 1
Increase public awareness of dementia and mental health conditions through community education, advocacy, faith-based outreach, and public discussions that reduce stigma and misinformation.
- 2
Promote dignity and humane treatment of people living with dementia by educating families, health professionals, caregivers, and communities about the needs, behaviors, and rights of affected individuals.
- 3
Provide practical caregiver education and support including guidance on communication, nutrition, safety, medication support, daily routines, behavioral changes, caregiver stress, and end-of-life care.
- 4
Create caregiver support networks where family members and caregivers can share experiences, receive encouragement, access counseling resources, and learn from trained professionals and one another.
- 5
Support the development of adult day-care services for patients with dementia and other mental health needs, providing safe daytime supervision, social interaction, activities, meals, and respite for families.
- 6
Advance geriatric care services for older adults who require companionship, monitoring, rehabilitation support, social engagement, and assistance with daily living.
- 7
Partner with hospitals, community organizations, churches, health professionals, and government agencies to improve access to education, screening, referral pathways, and compassionate care.
- 8
Advocate for policies and services that protect vulnerable adults and promote mental health, aging, caregiver support, and community-based care.
Build an Adult Day Care in Cameroon.
Of every commitment the Foundation makes, this is the one that changes daily life for families the soonest. A safe daytime home for older adults living with dementia and other mental health needs — and a few hours of rest for the family members who care for them around the clock.
The vision
A welcoming day program in Cameroon where older adults receive compassionate supervision, social connection, nutritious meals, and meaningful activity — and where caregivers get the respite and support they need to keep caring at home.
Where we are
We are at the beginning of the roadmap — assembling a founding team, identifying partner communities, and mapping the operating model that will let this program serve families well and endure.
The road ahead
- 1Secure an initial operating site
Identify a partner facility or buildable location in Cameroon that can host the program.
- 2Recruit local staff
Hire a care coordinator and trained health aides from the community we will serve.
- 3Develop the program
Design daily routines, activities, nutrition, and family check-in workflows grounded in dignity.
- 4Open the doors
Begin a pilot intake with the first families and learn alongside them.
- 5Document, learn, expand
Capture what works (and what does not), then grow capacity to serve more families.
Every gift to the Foundation moves this project forward. The 5K Run/Walk is our first major fundraising push to seed the day care.
Support the Day CareHer Life
A few of the moments her family has shared — across seasons, places, and the years of her journey with dementia.
Get Involved
Whether you can give, serve, or simply amplify our work, there is a place for you in this mission.
Donate
Your gift funds caregiver education, day-care development, and outreach to families affected by dementia in Cameroon. Give through our official 5K Run/Walk fundraising page.
Give to the 5K Run/WalkVolunteer
Skilled professionals, community leaders, and caregivers — your time and expertise move this work forward.
VolunteerPartner
Hospitals, churches, NGOs, and government agencies — let’s build referral pathways and shared care together.
Partner with usContact
Reach out — for questions, media, partnerships, or to share your own story. We read every message.