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Caregivers Coalition of Morris County, a United Way of Morris County, NJ Initiative: Sustaining our Work. National Alliance for Caregiving May 29, 2009. Elements leading to sustainability. Clear purpose and goals Structure Volunteers Partnerships Financial support Advocacy.
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Caregivers Coalition of Morris County,a United Way of Morris County, NJ Initiative: Sustaining our Work National Alliance for Caregiving May 29, 2009
Elements leading to sustainability • Clear purpose and goals • Structure • Volunteers • Partnerships • Financial support • Advocacy
Be clear about your purpose • Our Mission: • The mission of the Caregivers Coalition of Morris County is to promote knowledge of, sensitivity to, and action around caregiving issues.
Be clear about your goals • Strengthen services and resources • Improve access to information • Improve access to appropriate services • Identify and respond to gaps in services • Advocate • Increase awareness in the workplace • Provide networking opportunities
Have a structure that supports your work • Steering Committee • Caregiver Coalition Coordinator • Caregiver Advisory Panel Coordinator • Project Teams • United Way staff support • Monthly meetings
Sustaining our Work –Volunteers • Engaged 600+ community partners • Caregiver Advisory Panel (“CAP”): • Coalition guided by and evaluated by • Over 200 caregivers actively engaged • Flexible opportunities for participation • Heart of the Coalition
Sustaining our Work –Volunteers • Thousands of volunteer hours on projects • Pathways for Caregivers Guide • Conferences • Caregiver Resource Fair • Caregiver Recognition Month Events • Lunch and Learn Educational Series • Media opportunities
Sustaining our Work – Partnerships Collaborative efforts Morris County Division of Aging, Disabilities and Veterans Caregiver Support Project Care Partner Program Annual Conferences (with the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater NJ Chapter) Novartis CARES Employee Resource Group Morris County Society of Human Resource Management 8
Sustaining our Work - Financially • Coalition members financially support our work! • Projects and events are self-sustaining through sponsorship opportunities • United Way of Morris County support
Sustaining our Work - Advocacy • “Awareness” projects and events • County connections (Freeholders, Div on Aging) • Cong. Frelinghuysen & Gov. Codey • Trenton, Washington D.C., and with national organizations • Workplace campaign efforts • Community groups (Rotary, Clergy Council)
Working to not be needed • When caregiving becomes a household word • When all treatment plans involve caregivers • When caregivers are recognized and receive the support they need in their role • ….that’s when our work will truly be sustained!
Thank you!! • Carol E. DeGraw, M.S.W., L.C.S.W. • Manager, Community Impact • United Way of Morris County • www.uwmorris.org • carol.degraw@uwmorris.org • 973-993-1160, ext. 128