“You can’t choose the color of your skin. You can’t choose the year you were born. And you can’t choose to develop a brain disease. But people have the right to choose a lot of things, and you can choose to accept people for who they are.”
And so began my conversation with Herb Caldwell, Ed.D., Chief of Compliance at Logan University, whose family’s journey with dementia led him to produce and direct My Mama Joe, Hope & Help, a documentary that has received national attention. The film comes to Newport’s Casino Theater for a free community screening and open community conversation with the filmmaker and members of his family on Sunday, August 2 at 3PM.
The inspiration for the film comes from a moment when compassion, worry, love, and fear converge. It’s the moment when you first begin to notice that someone you love may be showing signs that something is different. The changes that you’re seeing may ultimately lead to a dementia diagnosis.
The life, purpose, and tangible legacy of Caldwell’s mother, Mama Joe became the guiding force behind the film. A community leader with an extraordinary capacity to love people without judgment, her story led her son to bring it to the screen. While continuing his career in higher education, Caldwell produced his second feature-length film—and his first to reach national attention. The film explores life with dementia—not only through the experience of the person living with the disease, but through the lives of the family and community who walked alongside them, just as Mama Joe walked alongside so many throughout the past. It is rooted in Mama Joe’s simple but powerful belief: every person deserves to be seen, accepted, and valued for who they are.
Born Joanna Caldwell, Mama Joe experienced the death of a parent at an early age, segregation of the 50s and poverty — experiences that profoundly affected the woman she was to become.
“A death of a parent early on. Segregation in the 1950s. Poverty. She never wanted anyone to experience the pain she had. She was the middle child of 10 and often felt invisible. When she had a choice, she chose to help others feel seen and heard.” Caldwell said.
Making help a little less hard to find.
“This film came to life through what I believe was a divine assignment with a goal to help remove a stigma. My family didn’t have a lot of resources, but we had a lot of love. I’m first-generation college educated. When mom was showing signs of dementia, we didn’t know where to start. If our family was going through this, we knew a lot of families were too. Where is the help for the caregiver, or your family member, or for the disease?”
By sharing the Caldwell family’s lived experience, the screening and conversation offers families something they wish they had at the beginning: understanding, hope and the reassurance they’re not alone.
For Caldwell, the screening is far more than showing a film. He wants it to become a place where people of all ages feel comfortable asking questions, sharing stories and experiences, and realizing they’re not alone. Whether you’re living with dementia, supporting someone you love, a caregiver or professional, or simply curious to learn, everyone is welcome.
“We’ve seen people reach out to their primary care physician or pursue an evaluation after attending an event,” Caldwell said. “That’s why we call these community engagement forums. We want everyone to have access to information, support, and hope.”
“You can’t wait for the government to save us on this. You’ve got to take help where it comes. I’m flying to events now. When you’re on a plane with kids you put your oxygen mask on first before you help others. Caregivers aren’t putting the mask on first. Some caregivers pass away before the person they’re caring for does because they isolate. They need mental and physical breaks whenever they can take them,” Caldwell said.
The invitation extends to everyone.
“Wherever we go – Black, White, or any color – aging and dementia are two things that don’t discriminate. I don’t want to normalize cognitive impairment, I want to destigmatize it.”
Help comes from places you don’t anticipate. My hope is that these events provide a safe space for help. This isn’t about being heavy; it’s about feeling encouraged and uplifted. There is a human element to bringing folks together and the benefits of reconnection. Finding the way is so important,” Caldwell said.
At its heart, the film reminds us that every person is so much more than a diagnosis.
“My mom was so much more than her disease. The power of what one life can touch. The more maligned society said you were, the more my mom wanted to hug you.”
“This is about being visible and being seen. She would crack up if she knew we made a film about her.”
Herb Caldwell with Mama Joe and Dad Paul
Amen, Herb Caldwell. This film is a way to share a hug. I hope to see you there.
The free screening of My Mama Joe: Hope & Help and community conversation will take place Sunday, August 2, at Newport’s Casino Theater.
To register and for more information, click here.
Helen Hames is an Aging Advisor, speaker, educator and founder of Age Ambassador, where she helps older adults and families navigate the decisions that come with aging through personalized guidance, education, and advocacy. Her work empowers people to plan for what matters most and helps reshape how we think about aging, longevity, and the importance of feeling seen and heard. Helen received a Rhode Island State Citation in recognition of her advocacy for older adults.
