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By Mandy Haggerson

For the Clemmons Courier

Starting a new business and embarking on her 13th year raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Association are just a few things on Caroline Cress’ plate right now. The action-oriented mom of daughters, Piper, 8, and Callie, 13, has never been one to shy away from a challenge or be proactive with making the world a better place. 

“I had always been in the banking industry ever since I graduated from college at East Carolina University. As soon as I graduated, I immediately got a job with Wells Fargo, and worked there for 12 years. During that time, I met my future husband Joey who was also living in Charlotte when mutual friends brought us together,” said Cress. “His family was in the Charlotte area, and once we had our first daughter, his mom even helped us with childcare.” 

Unfortunately, Joey’s mom passed away unexpectedly after suffering a heart attack, and Caroline’s mom had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. “Both devastating situations for two special people in our family,” said Cress.

“I had begun to go home on the weekends and help with my mom and just visit with her. My mom’s illness timeline was about seven years from diagnosis to her passing. We started noticing her cognitive decline about a year or so before her diagnosis. The most grueling part was watching the person I know slip away right before my eyes and losing her twice (mentally and physically). Knowing that my children would never know the woman that she once was also devastating,” said Cress. 

Wanting to fight the disease, and show support for her mother, Cress began to raise awareness and funds in hopes of finding a cure.

“I can’t believe this is now our 13th year walking (Walk to End Alzheimer’s) and fundraising (to date $217,000 has been raised during those years) as a team called Just Keep Swimming. The support from donors, friends and family has been astounding. I have been met with such generosity and compassion for the cause,” said Cress. 

“I would love to encourage our community to consider this great cause and come out and walk with us. This year’s event will be taking place at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds on Nov. 16 with registration at 2 p.m. and the walk at 3 p.m. Our team is always looking for more participants and donors: https://act.alz.org/site/TR?team_id=961912&pg=team&fr_id=18750,” said Cress. “I promise we make it lots of fun too.”

Aside from leading her team that raises funds and creates awareness, Cress is on the Walk Committee that helps with the logistics of making the actual walk happen.

“I’ve done that for about 10 years now. It helps me feel like I’m doing something positive to help honor my mom and hopefully find a cure for other families. I think it’s important to do something when you have the means to do it,” said Cress.

While channeling her passion to make a difference, Cress also started a new business venture.

“When we moved back home almost seven years ago, I was still able to work for the bank remotely. They had made cuts about a year ago to a lot of employees, and I unfortunately was one of them. While I was really disappointed at first, it is now showing me that it ended up being a great opportunity,” said Cress.

“I had always helped my friends and family organize their homes, closets, offices and spaces, so I decided to give it a go as my day-to-day livelihood. Thus, Orderly Oasis was created, and took off in October 2024,” said Cress. 

A typical project might include a full home organization (closet, pantry, playroom, office, garage, etc.). It could include packing and unpacking, storage/attic clean outs and zoning, space refreshes (monthly, quarterly, semiannually or annually), seasonal switch outs (clothes and décor), or even dorm room move-in assistance. Every project is customizable. 

“Something that is also near and dear to my heart is downsizing assistance. When my dad moved from the home he shared with my mom, you go through all of your treasures to decide what stays and goes. It can be emotional. I can help with that. I also like to help people that are considering an assisted living facility. You feel like you’re making a lot of tough decisions which I know because of what we went through with my mom,” said Cress. “That is something I’m hoping to do more of.” 

Cress has tried to make the process as easy as possible for her clients.

“Typically, we start off with a consultation to discuss the problem areas and needs. I send along my hourly rates, and from there we start the daily schedule. It’s such a fun process, and very personal. Some people want to be there with you and some just want it to be done. I love helping people with what makes them feel most comfortable, and achieve the organization they need,” said Cress. 

While tackling more and more projects through referrals, Cress says the best way to get in touch with her is via email (orderlyoasisnc@gmail.com).

“My Instagram (@Orderly.Oasis.NC) is active too while I work on creating a website.  I have been humbled and so excited by how quickly word has spread throughout the community. Between the walk coming up, continuing to grow this business, and seeing my daughters continue to thrive doing things that bring them joy, it’s a great season of life,” said Cress.