Community Corner
JFCS Seeks Respite Volunteers for Caregivers
Sarasota, Florida – January 7, 2014 – Jewish Family & Children’s Service of the Suncoast, Inc. (JFCS), the premier local safety net social service organization, is seeking respite volunteers for caregivers within the community to provide them much needed relief and companionship to their loved ones. Participating volunteers will be provided with free ongoing comprehensive training, stipends, and an educational award. Additional benefits are flexible hours and the ability to possibly transfer the educational award to one’s child or grandchild. Enrollment is now open and closes Friday, February 7, 2014.
Volunteer duties might include providing simple companionship, engagement, supervision, a light lunch or snack, and/or walks to individuals affected by Alzheimer’s, cancer, or chronic illnesses related to aging. To participate, a volunteer must complete the required training, have reliable transportation, and be able to make a weekly time commitment of 8 hours, which can occur in the evening or on the weekend. Communication techniques, accessing community resources, behavior recognition and best practices, CPR, and the ABC’s of Alzheimer’s are just some of the training topics covered.
JFCS’ AmeriCorps Legacy Respite Program is part of its caregiver support services and is made possible by a grant aimed to show the benefits of providing respite to caregivers. Caregivers often spend 24/7 providing care to their loved one at the cost of his or her own well-being. The program is open to individuals 17 years and older and hopes to serve, in large part, veterans and their families.
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“Our volunteers are reporting a very rewarding experience!” reported Nicole Ziemba, program coordinator at Jewish Family & Children’s Service of the Suncoast, Inc. “They are making new friends, earning rewards, and receiving training they can apply personally and professionally.”
To volunteer or for more information, contact Nicole Ziemba, program coordinator at 941-366-2224, ext. 108 or nziemba@JFCS-Cares.org.
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About JFCS
Jewish Family & Children’s Service of the Suncoast, Inc. (JFCS) is a fully accredited, community-based social service organization delivering a broad range of services, including counseling, prevention, intervention, outreach and education to children, adults, families, seniors, and veterans on a secular, non-denominational basis. JFCS promotes self-sufficiency, providing people with the resources to cope and overcome life’s challenges. To learn more, visit www.JFCS-Cares.org.
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