United WayCaregivers Coalition

Our Mission

The mission of the Caregivers Coalition of Morris County, NJ is to promote knowledge of and action around caregiving issues to ensure all caregivers identify as such and have access to the resources, services, education, and support to sustain them in their role.

Our goals

• To strengthen services and resources to caregivers across the lifespan

• To improve access to information about caregiving, and about available and appropriate services

• To identify and respond to gaps in services to caregivers

• To advocate for policies and legislation to improve the quality of life for caregivers

• To provide caregiver educational programs and resource information to social service providers, health care providers, family caregivers, corporations and businesses, and the community

Caregivers, the “heart” of our Coalition

• Engaging caregivers in the process

• Strengthening services and resources for caregivers

• Direct service to caregivers

Engaging caregivers – Caregivers Advisory Panel

• Began with 5 caregivers; currently 410 members

• Chaired by a volunteer caregiver

• Connected via email, phone and snail mail

• Provide input as to needs; most projects are a result of caregiver requests

• Participant in and provide input on all projects

• Two dinner meetings a year

• Evaluate Coalition efforts twice a year

Strengthening services and resources for caregivers

• Caregiver Support Project

–Caregiver Coordinator

• Advocacy

–Caregiver recognition events with elected officials

–Agenda for Action

–Partnership with Drew University Political Science and Education students

Direct service to caregivers

• Pathways for Caregivers guide

• Lunch & Learn programs

• Conferences

• Resource Fairs

• Care Partner Program

• Bereavement Group

• Caregiver Café

Outcomes

• 99% of caregivers agree that since becoming involved with the Caregivers Coalition their awareness of services and resources has improved.

• 90% of caregivers agree that since becoming involved with the Caregivers Coalition their understanding of how to access services and resources has improved.

• 84% of caregivers agree that since becoming involved with the Caregivers Coalition their understanding of the importance of taking care of their own physical and mental health has improved.

Contact & web information

Carol E. DeGraw, M.S.W., L.C.S.W.

Manager, Community Impact

United Way of Northern New Jersey

PO Box 1948

Morristown, NJ 07962-1948

973-993-1160, x128

carol.degraw@unitedwaynnj.org

www.LiveUnitedMorris.org

– click on Health, then Caregivers Coalition

Thank you