Embracing the Aging Journey by Giving Grace First

Our Mission

Grace First Collective LLC is compassion, patience, and understanding. We prioritize these essential values to navigate the complexities of the aging process. Our mission at Grace First Collective is to offer resources, training and education, and consulting services for older adults, their loved ones, and healthcare professionals to better serve and experience the aging journey - creating a culture where Grace leads the way.

Humanity Statement

Grace First Collective LLC is rooted in the desire to serve with compassion, patience, and understanding, allowing Grace to guide our journey alongside those we serve. Whether you are an older adult, a member of their support network, or a healthcare professional dedicated to the aging population, we deeply value and respect the vast array of cultures and communities that shape our humanity. 

We believe our spectrum of differences enriches the diverse landscape of life, enhancing the individual experience and connections within families, friendships, and the broader community. We commit to serving all individuals regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, sexual identity, disability, or religion. Every person deserves high-quality, empathetic, personalized, and meaningful support services during their aging journey, simply because they are human.

Together we strive to create a more inclusive, equitable, and caring world where every individual is seen and celebrated, using Grace First.

IMPACT

Let Grace Lead the Way

At Grace First Collective LLC, services are rooted in our IMPACT approach:

INSPIRE ~ MINDSET ~ PREPARATION ~ AWARENESS ~ CONNECTION ~ THRIVE

INSPIRE

  • Inspire emphasizes empowering individuals to embrace their aging journey with purpose and passion. This approach encourages a proactive attitude, enhancing self-confidence and adaptability during challenges, supported by a positive foundation for meaningful life changes.

MINDSET

  • Mindset highlights the significance of perspective in aging and understanding the importance of inclusivity of all communities. By fostering a compassionate outlook, individuals can view aging as a natural phase filled with opportunities for growth and self-discovery, rather than a decline, allowing for a more fulfilling experience. By harboring a mindset that embraces individual differences, it ensures quality care and support for all.

PREPARATION

  • Preparation emphasizes the need for proactive measures. Providing education and resources teaches individuals to anticipate care needs and challenges and adapt to the evolving demands associated with growing older.

AWARENESS

  • Awareness is understanding the multifaceted impacts of aging. Promoting emotional intelligence helps individuals better navigate their feelings, reactions, and decision making, leading to improved relationships, engagement, and self-awareness.

CONNECTION

  • Connection highlights the significance of community and the profound bonds of personal relationships. By developing meaningful connections, we build fellowship and a strong community network filled with belonging and mutual support.

THRIVE

  • Thrive embodies a way of living that creates space for optimism, personal joys, and growth. It celebrates meaningful moments and the richness of everyday life, even amidst the uncertainties of the aging experience.

Meet Our Founder

Constance M. Brasher, MA, CTRS, CDP, CADDCT, CDSGF

A leader in the field of aging services with nearly 20 years of experience in enhancing the quality of life for older adults through innovative, person-centered care. Her expertise in therapeutic program development, dementia care training, and senior living operations has positioned her as a passionate advocate for improving clinical and social outcomes for the older adult population, their support networks, and professional healthcare workers who serve them. 

As the founder of Grace First Collective LLC, Constance embodies compassion, patience, and understanding in every aspect of her work. Her mission is to provide resources, training, education, and consulting services to older adults, their support networks, and healthcare professionals, enhancing the experience of the aging journey and creating a culture where grace leads the way.

  • Constance has worked in a multitude of care settings including, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, Adult Day Service, and Adult Psychiatric Care. She has a deep commitment to utilizing non-pharmacological approaches to reduce isolation, increase whole-person wellness, and meaningful social engagement.  She also emphasizes the importance of inclusion and the integration of social wellness initiatives in daily practices that help shape social and mental wellbeing in healthcare outcomes.

    In addition to also working as an independent consultant for senior services and speaker for educational convenings and initiatives, Constance is a member of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association and Illinois Recreational Therapy Association.  She is also a current Ambassador for Lorenzo’s House, an organization supporting families affected by younger-onset dementia.  Constance has a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from University of Illinois – Chicago and Master’s degree in Recreational Therapy from the University of Iowa.  She is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer (CADDCT), and a Certified Dementia Support Group Facilitator (CDSGF).