Development Update | Fall 2017 Newsletter
Carol Berne
Senior Vice President of Development
Some time ago, I was asked, “Even when a caregiver is no longer caring for someone, do they still see themselves, and describe themselves, as a caregiver?” I found this question compelling and thought-provoking. How do caregivers see themselves? A caregiver is defined as an individual who assumes responsibility for the physical and emotional needs of another person. But sadly, the definition does not do justice to the emotional and physical toll that caregiving, and particularly dementia caregiving, takes on the caregiver.
At CaringKind, we recognize the frustration, the stress, the depression, the loneliness and the isolation that caregivers experience. We recognize how hard and relentless caregiving can be, even for those for whom caregiving is a rewarding experience. CaringKind’s job is to make the journey a little easier and make each day a little brighter. Our work is informed by our social workers’ experience of working hand in hand with our clients for over 30 years.
We do the work in the here and now. We move each client from one stage to another with the knowledge that they are not alone on this often-terrifying journey. And each client is handled with the compassion that recognizes that each family is different. Social work is practical, thoughtful and kind. In the 30 years of doing our work, CaringKind social workers have helped thousands of caregivers face their challenges and emerge whole.
We have been fortunate to have supporters — individuals, foundations and corporations — help us along the way. We recently received a generous gift from a caregiver who had attended our Family Caregiver Workshop and donated to support this program so that others could be helped. Two leading New York City foundations are co-sponsoring a pilot program to expand the number of home care workers trained by CaringKind. Additionally, our connect2culture® program recently received a generous grant to develop a curriculum specifically for horticultural sites, so that caregivers and persons with dementia, wherever they live, could have a meaningful and enriching experience.
We privately raise close to $10 million annually. We count on every donation, large and small, to carry out our work. These funds ensure that the professional, smart social workers we need in growing numbers will be here when we need them, today or tomorrow. Be assured, this would not be possible without your generous support. So, as you approach the end of the year, take a minute to read our Year-End letter on the next page and be as generous as you can. On behalf of our clients, I thank you.
P.S. Donations may be made on our secure website at caringkindnyc.org/yearend. We also welcome stock donations.