Sam’s Caregiver Alliance Group was birthed out of one woman’s personal commitment to serve her loved one, Community and City and to bring forth information about resources offered to Caregivers that are not adequately publicized and fills a niche on the demographic of Caregivers that desperately need assistance with the financial responsibilities of caring for a loved one. Providing resources for Caregivers eliminates the uncertainty of knowing they are doing everything possible to care for their loved one and provides relief from the anxieties, grief and depression better known has “Caregiver Syndrome” that comes along with the role as Caregiver. Expanding the Caregiver support system, providing sources for help with tasks and educating Caregivers about Mental Health can significantly decrease the occurrence of Caregiver stress related issues. The opportunity to promote self-expression through Caregiving provides forums of education, unity and awareness and makes for a community that can grow and flourish and expand individuals out of the confines of their own limitations.
Mission
Sam’s Caregiver Alliance Group is committed to helping preserve the mental and physical wellness of caregivers which will provide a pathway for effective and efficient care for their loved one. Our mission is to strengthen the caregiving community by offering guidance, advocacy, and access to vital resources.
Vision
Sam’s Caregiver Alliance Group envisions a future where every caregiver is honored, supported and empowered – surrounded by a compassionate community and recognized as a vital force in shaping a more caring world.
Staff & Board Members
Tracey Washington
FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Tracey Washington is passionate about education, community, and caring for others. She graduated from Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications and went on to earn her Master’s degree in Education Elementary.
Tracey has always been committed to giving back. She served on the board of the Jefferson Street Sound Museum from 2018 to 2022, helping preserve Nashville’s rich musical history.
Inspired by her own experiences as a caregiver for her mother, struggles as an only child and her heart for helping others, Tracey founded Sam’s Caregiver Alliance Group- a community that provides a safe and welcoming space where caregivers can find the emotional, physical and mental support they need to navigate this challenging, unexpected, yet deeply meaningful journey.
Her personal journey as a caregiver and realizing the perplexities of balancing daily responsibilities of work and family, was a journey that could not be achieved alone. Her passion for promoting mental health awareness, connecting caregivers with vital resources and advocating for meaningful policy change continues to drive her to reach and support this often-overlooked community.
Tracey realizes that caregiving is never easy, but our mission as an organization is to ensure that unpaid caregivers are empowered with the tools, resources, and encouragement they need to care for both their loved ones and themselves.
Monica McLaurine
VICE PRESIDENT
Monica McLaurine has had the pleasure of working with the youth of Tennessee for over 20 years. Most recently she has become the N.A.Z.A’s Capacity Building and Grants Manager with the Nashville Public Library where she oversees professional development opportunities and manages N.A.Z.A’s non-Metro grants. Previously, Monica was the Coordinator for NPL’s T.O.T.A.L (Totally Outstanding Teen Advocates for Library) program for over 16 years. She worked with youth she trained them in several areas to prepare them to excel in curriculum, development, leadership development, conflict resolution and facilitation skills. She is nationally known and has presented workshops in several National Bullying Conferences across the country. In her over 17 years of experience in dealing with bullying, her desire is to challenge traditional ways of dealing and coping with bullying.
A native of Nashville, Monica has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration with Juvenile Justice from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She is a certified Life Coach and a twice published author. Monica loves in her spare time to spend time with family and friends, travel, exercise and shop.
La’Tasha Derria Glover
BOARD MEMBER
Ryan Washington
BOARD MEMBER
Tiffany Johnson
BOARD MEMBER