April, 2009

Major Grant To Support Caregivers Through Real Services Partnership

Out of more than 400 applicants from across the country, the Community Foundation and REAL Services have earned one of 14 major grants awarded by the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Inc. The grant—the largest of the 14 awarded—will fund Caregiver Connection, a multifaceted program that supports those who care for aging relatives, friends, and neighbors.

Based in Baltimore and Honolulu, the Weinberg Foundation is one of the nation’s largest private foundations and is dedicated to relieving the burdens of poverty, especially among older adults. The $780,000 grant calls for approximately $600,000 in matching funds, creating total resources of more than $1.3 million over three years.

Caregiver Connection focuses on the 1,000 or so caregivers in the 46619 ZIP code, building on several successful pilot programs that REAL Services and the Community Foundation have developed over the past few years. A full-time Aging and Caregiving Facilitator—a REAL Services staff member whose office will be located in the heart of the 46619 neighborhood—is at the center of Caregiver Connection, working one-on-one to connect caregivers with available resources. All caretakers will have access to a specially tailored five-session training program offered in collaboration with Memorial Home Care. Through this gateway, caregivers can become eligible for direct services such as home modifications, respite care, and transportation.

Stayed tuned: As REAL Services and the Foundation move forward with the implementation of this major new grant, we’ll bring you stories about those people whose lives will be changing as a result.