Wake Human Services to Honor Family Caregivers at Nov. 29 Banquet

11/9/2007

Everyone needs a safe and loving home. That’s why volunteer Wake County family caregivers provide support to children and disabled and elderly adults who face adversity every day. Wake County Human Services will honor more than 20 family caregivers during its first annual Family Caregivers Recognition Banquet on Thursday, November 29, from 4-6 p.m., at the Swinburne Human Services Building, 220 Swinburne St., Room 2132, in Raleigh.

In North Carolina, relatives, mostly grandparents, are caring for nearly one in 20 of all minor children. During the Family Caregivers Recognition Banquet, Wake County Human Services will highlight the contributions and personal dedication of these family members who are changing the lives of children.

The Family Caregivers Recognition Banquet, being held in conjunction with National Family Caregiver Month, will feature a panel discussion between kinship caregivers, community partners and Human Services professionals. Wake County Commissioners, Human Services Director Ramon Rojano, and Human Services Board members will also attend and personally thank caregivers and present them with awards of appreciation. Organizers hope the banquet will raise awareness about the need for financial, educational and emotional support systems for family caregivers.

November is National Family Caregiver Month, a designation meant to thank, support, educate and celebrate more than 50 million family caregivers across the country who provide caregiving support for children, as well as disabled and elderly adults. These gracious individuals are estimated to provide more than $306 billion in free caregiving services a year.

[Note to Media: Family caregivers will be available for interviews following the banquet. Private interview space will be available, please contact Public Affairs Manager Wil Glenn at 856-7551 to reserve space. Hypothetical examples of family caregiver cases are below. ]

Family caregiver case examples:

Case #1
A 67-year-old retired grandmother opened her home to her three grandchildren, ages 1, 7 and 10, more than a year ago. The oldest child is not her biological grandchild, but she wanted to keep the sibling group together. The youngest child has Spina Bifida. This compassionate senior citizen has converted her office into a bedroom so that each of the three children can have his or her own room. She traded in her beloved convertible for an SUV more suitable for transporting the children. She lives on a lake, and has built a fence to further ensure the children's safety. She is in the process of becoming a licensed foster parent; however, to date has not received financial assistance. At least once a week, she drives to Duke Children’s Hospital, more than 20 miles from her Wake County home, for therapy and medical appointments. She never complains about her unconventional retirement and loves each of them as if they were her own.

Case #2
A single mother has three adult sons. She became disabled in 1989 and moved to North Carolina to be near extended family. For many years she has cared for her two granddaughters, now ages 13 and 8. At the time she began caring for the 13-year-old granddaughter, she also became a foster parent for the girls’ half sister, now age 9, who was not related to her. This compassionate woman has since adopted both girls. She also assumed care for her first cousin's three daughters who were in foster care and subsequently adopted them. These girls are now ages 4, 6 and 8. Two of these children have special needs. Raising six children is a full-time job for this single mom. She was active in the “Grandparents as Parents” support group when it was meeting at Raleigh Nursery and is a strong advocate for her girls on all fronts.

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