From the Chief Executive Officer:

For the past eight years I have had the privilege of facilitating a support group for family caregivers.  Some of the original group members are still with us today.  It is a great group which changes in membership from meeting to meeting.  One thing that never changes is the high level of emotion that families have for their role as caregiver.  When families first start attending group meetings they are often lost, frightened, anxious, sad, stressed and searching for understanding.  New group members are frequently surprised to find out that there are others like them, experiencing similar emotions.  I have repeatedly watched as "veteran" caregivers have provided comfort and guidance to new group members.  I have also observed the relief on the faces of caregivers who truly felt alone in this very challenging experience. 

Rosalyn Carter, a long time advocate for family caregivers, is famous for her observation, "There are four kinds of people in the world; people who are caregivers, people who have been caregivers, people who will be caregivers and people who will be cared for."  In other words, caregiving is a universal experience.  There is no good reason why anyone should go through the caregiving experience alone. Please reach out to others you know who have had similar journeys.  Talk to family, friends and professionals in the community.  Lean on people when necessary and accept help when offered. 

As we have for the last eight years, the Share the Care support group meets on the second Friday of the month at 1:30 pm.  Respite is available.  But, if you cannot attend our group, there are many groups available in the community.  If you need us, we are here.  You are not alone...

Mary Ellen Grant 

CEO, Share the Care