Some of you are wondering what our Caregiver Project is all about. Well, let’s start by defining the word, “Caregiver.” There are a few variations of the definition, but this is the one that best fits our mission:
“Relatives, friends, or professionals who provide a wide range of paid, or unpaid care to dependent relatives, friends and/or people needing physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual support. Caregiving is the action of providing care to these individuals.”
Caregiving can include:
- Emotional and social support (e.g. visiting, transportation, talking about emotions)
- Finding and accessing services (e.g. housing, medical supports)
- Behavioral support (e.g. communicating effectively, managing challenging behaviors)
- Financial help (e.g. financial support, managing finances)
- Practical assistance with basic activities of daily living (e.g. housekeeping, shopping, meal preparation)
- Personal care (e.g. help with monitoring medication, bathing)
- Physical help (e.g. assistance with movement, supervision, direct medical care)
Overarching all of these activities, caregiving is the assumption of responsibility for providing care, along with the concern, worry and emotional involvement this entails.
Why is ILF involved with the Caregivers at women’s shelters?
Early last year, the founder of ILF, Indrani Goradia, began talking with the staff of shelter facilities who were caring for victims of violence. They began sharing their concerns for the high turnover rate of staff within their organizations, and the burnout that naturally happens due to the nature of this work.
Indrani quickly went into action. She knew if we were losing these passionate people who work with victims of violence, we could lose the shelters, or cut the number of women, men, and children who need be housed. Now, how could ILF help? We can train and educate the shelter staff (the Caregivers) how to keep from burning out.
What we teach the Caregivers?
- Our trainers are teaching the caregivers about different tools they can use for self-care, and lead a more balanced life.
- We educate caregivers on how to recognize their own triggers of shame, guilt, and humiliation that effect their work and personal lives.
- We help them improve their personal boundaries, and how to say “No” to things that compromise their well-being.
- And we remind them that they matter, that they are loved, and that they are “seen,” for the work they do.
Where can we teach the Caregiver Project?
- We can send our trainers to anywhere in the United States, and some areas of Canada.
- We teach in women’s shelters and organizations that directly have contact with victims of violence.
- We are currently training ILF trainers all over the world to help us reach the caregivers in other countries.
How much does the training cost?
We offer the Caregiver Training at NO COST to the shelter or organization. We do, however, rely on donations to fund the 2-day training class. The training requires two certified ILF trainers, and the cost for travel, transportation, food, supplies, and pay for the entire training is approximately $5,000.00.
How can you help us with the Caregiver Project?
- You can SPREAD THE WORD! Use social media, email, or mention us at a party or event. (facebook.com/indranislight Twitter: @indranis_light)
- You can BECOME AN ILF TRAINER! We will be offering the Train-the-Trainer Course every year to certify trainers to teach our ILF curriculum to their own communities and shelters.
- You can DONATE! Here is where you can donate ANY AMOUNT to help our Caregiver Project, or any other area of our mission to end domestic violence.
We need your feedback.
- What do you think of the project?
- Is this something you would love to support?
- How would you like to support us?
- What more could we do?
If you have already supported our mission in any way, we want to extend our deepest gratitude. If you would like to do more, or maybe you haven’t taken the step to support us yet, please reach out to our Director of Education and Training, Amy Dier, at amy@indranislight.org. She will be more than happy to talk with you about your options.
Love & Light,
Team ILF
