The Obama administration issued a proclamation on November 3, 2009, officially declaring November as National Family Caregivers Month (NFC Month), to celebrate the estimated 50 million Americans providing care for their loved ones suffering from chronic ailments; disabilities or the frailties of old age.
The proclamation “encourages all Americans to pay tribute and support those who are caring for their family members, friends, and neighbors in need of assistance.”
In honor National Family Caregiver Month, Caregivers Outreach Ministry Empowerment (C.O.M.E.) will host its 3rd Family Caregiver Recognition Award Presentation on November 14, 2009. Over 300 people will be in attendance. The event will be held at Eastwood Manor in the Bronx 3371 Eastchester Ave 10469 (Corner of Boston Rd). Fourteen family caregivers from throughout the tri-state area will be recognized with the Leon David Simmons Award (recognition of extraordinary Family Caregivers of the elderly). The award recipients were nominated by family members, churches, and other community organizations for their daily commitment, dedication, and contribution to our community and nation. Family caregivers are providing over 80% of all long term care in America with services valued at an estimated $375 billion annually in caring for their loved ones.
The Executive Director Diane Cooper a registered nurse with more than 28 years of community contact with family caregivers of the elderly has developed a keen sense of empathy and compassion borne from her own experience in taking on the role of family caregiver for her father, Mr. Leon David Simmons. It was through this experience that C.O.M.E. Inc., a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) Chartable Organization was founded on June 16, 2009. C.O.M.E. takes on the challenge of transforming the role of family caregivers from one that lack knowledge and most often with stress and burnout to one of preparation, confidence and improved quality of life.
All throughout the year C.O.M.E. provides Family Caregivers with Workshops, Health fairs and available hands on resources through organizations within the community in which they live. Accessibility is our aim. It is with our “Caregivers need Caring Too R &R” program, sponsored by The New Yankee Stadium Community Benefits Fund, Inc., that we are able to provide family caregivers with the needed information in addition to a time of respite. They receive manicures; make-over’s, back and hand massages, yoga and a relaxation session all at no cost.
For more information, please visit C.OM.E.’s website here.
