Page 77 - Sun Rays May 2013
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MAY 2013
SUNRAYS | 77
ONLINE:
SCTXCA.ORG
on first and third Thursdays.
Two caregiving sisters, Jen and Ellen,
bring their mother, who suffers from de-
mentia, each week. “The program has
truly been a blessing for us,” Ellen said.
She and Jen split the care of their mother
between them, but still enjoy time off on
Thursdays. They believe the program
makes their mom happier too. Jen said,
“My mom broke her ankle recently and
couldn’t come for several months. She
received get well cards and special notes
from her buddies at Special Friends and
was reminded of how much she was
missed. She couldn’t wait to come back
and see everyone.”
For nine and a half years, Special
Friends has been in place. It’s completely
funded by The Worship Place. It’s pro-
vided for caregivers in Sun City Texas,
as well as caregivers in the surrounding
area. They meet weekly on Thursdays
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
FAITH IN AcTION GEOrGETOWN
There are times when caregivers need
help with getting their loved one to medi-
cal appointments, grocery shopping or
other important errands. Faith in Action
Georgetown is a nonprofit organization
that is an advocate for caregivers, as well
as anyone who is over age 65. Candis
Blye, Development Director, described
the growth of the program: “We have
grown to over 100 volunteers and pro-
vide 546 rides a year to Scott & White
locations alone. The need for transporta-
tion and the need for volunteers go up
every year in this area.” The Faith in
Action Board of Directors is comprised
of representatives from 12 sponsoring
local congregations who service not only
caregivers, but any Georgetown senior
who needs a ride. Volunteers donated
10,575 hours to the Georgetown com-
munity in 2012.
AGE OF cENTrAL TEXAS
AGE of Central Texas is also a regional
nonprofit organization that provides edu-
cation and support to people who are
growing older, including caregivers.
“Our mission is to guide each caregiver
to the available resources best suited
for their unique situation,” explained
Eva Church, Caregiver Information and
Resources Coordinator. The program
offers a wide range of free educational
opportunities from one-time seminars
on specific topics to multi-class training
from CaregiverU. (CaregiverU classes
are offered at no cost to participants,
including a free six week course called
“Powerful Tools for Caregivers” that pro-
vides emotional support).
Help for Caregivers
Contact Information
Special Friends Program:
Cheryl White, 512-864-1380
Lou Gibson, 512-864-1542
Faith in Action Georgetown:
512-868-9544
AGE of central Texas and
caregiveru:
512-451-4611
Sun city Helping Hands:
Maria Wagner, 512-864-0641
Courtney Powell, 512-864-3429
Jan Hohenberger, 512-864-3500
Maureen Vogl, 512-864-0689
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