History Made and Milestones for the Caregiver Movement

My heartfelt thanks also to the many other caregiver families who spoke with producers and opened up about their own challenges, ensuring the piece represented all hidden heroes and their children.

Since the Foundation’s beginning, Dole Caregiver Fellows like Liz have been vital to building connections among America’s caregivers and conveying to the nation the personal toll of the caregiver crisis. In the coming weeks, we will be introducing the next class of Fellows who will add to our network of peer advocates and help us generate transformational change in the way our country supports caregivers, their veterans, and their families. Stay tuned for our official announcement and read more below about the latest EDF news!

Warmly,

EDF in the News

Senator Dole was joined at the ceremony by Elizabeth Dole Foundation CEO Steve Schwab and USAA President and CEO Wayne Peacock, who also serves as a Vice-Chair of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation Board.

The Medal is the nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to our world, and Senator Dole’s lifetime of service and leadership demonstrates why she is most deserving of this honor. We are lucky to have such a valiant advocate and public servant leading our organization. If you would like to congratulate Senator Dole on this honor, please do so on our website.

The Rotenberry family, filming with 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley.

CBS 60 Minutes: How some children living in the homes of wounded warriors become family caregivers

CBS 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley spotlighted the work of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and interviewed Senator Dole, EDF CEO Steve Schwab, and Senior Manager of the Fellows Program Liz Rotenberry and her family to draw attention to the experiences of the millions of children living in the homes of injured veterans and their roles as caregivers.

This episode contains sensitive content, including conversations around suicide and images of combat. Dial of text 988 or chat online for free and confidential support 24/7 for people in distress, crisis resources, and more for you or a loved one.

A Community of Caregivers: Elizabeth Dole Foundation Fellows Share Their Stories

TriWest Healthcare Alliance recently highlighted the stories of four Dole Fellows on its Healthy Homefront blog, which offers resources and the latest updates on healthcare-related programs for the military and veteran communities. Sharon Grassi (2018, Arizona), Brian Vines (2015, Texas), Ilihia Gionson (2021, Hawaii), and Linzi Andersen (2020, Idaho) share their struggles and successes as caregivers, important resources they’ve discovered, and what they’ve learned throughout their caregiving journey.

News you can use

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Mental Health America has toolkits available to download in English and Spanish. The toolkit includes outreach ideas, social media examples, resources, fact sheets, and more. Be sure to download the toolkit for personal use and pass it along to others who may find it useful.

Last month, we shared that our partners at the USAA Educational Foundation had developed an exciting project in collaboration with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. We are excited to share that the Caregiver Financial Journey is now live! On the site, you’ll find resources for your financial journey, including a financial health assessment, worksheets, videos, and more. This content was developed for caregivers by caregivers. Thank you to our Director of Support Programs and 2017 Dole Caregiver Alumna, Shawn Moore, for leading this project, and to Dole Caregiver Fellows Shawn Lopez (2023, Maryland) and Sharon Grassi (2018, Arizona) for participating in the video modules.

A shout out to Shawn Lopez, Caira Benson, and Melissa Comeau who serve in their individual capacities on the Federal Advisory Committee for Veterans’ Families, Caregivers, and Survivors. Pictured here on May 1, Shawn, Caira, and Melissa shared their knowledge and recommendations to improve the overall experiences of caregivers within the VA. We are so proud of our Dole Fellows!

The next meeting will be on June 3, and caregivers will have the chance to submit written comments or read a statement at the event. Keep an eye on our social channels for the registration link!

Staff Spotlight: Marianne Delatorre

Now, she takes the lessons she has learned about building communities for caregivers and encourages cities and towns across America to adopt that same supportive spirit for their local hidden heroes. Marianne credits much of her work to her partnership with the Dole Caregiver Fellows on the ground, serving as leaders in their communities. She is their behind-the-scenes support for such collaborations as Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s Hidden Heroes Appreciation nights with the Maryland Department of Veteran Affairs, the I am a Caregiver Campaign launch in El Paso, and the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Idaho campaign to sign all 44 counties as Hidden Heroes counties (so far, they have signed 35 counties and counting!).

Traveling the Caregiver Journey
Caregiver Spotlight: Linzi Andersen Idaho Dole Caregiver Fellow, Class of 2020

How has being a Dole Caregiver Fellow changed your caregiver experience?

Early in my caregiving, I went through a dark time when we had no family or friends in the area to offer their support. Now, as a Fellow, I know that I have a community of caregivers locally and virtually that I can lean on. I don’t feel so alone in this caregiving journey, and I truly appreciate the knowledge and friendship gained from others going through similar experiences. As a Fellow, I’ve also had the chance to be that sense of connection for caregivers in Idaho who may have been feeling that same isolation and hopelessness.

What advice do you give to other caregivers?

As caregivers, we need to find a way to keep a piece of ourselves. Caregiving changes our life in every way imaginable. It can be a thankless job that grinds you down over time. Caregivers carry such a huge mental load, and it’s helpful to find other people who get what you are going through. I also advocate for mental health and counseling for caregivers. Don’t be afraid to reach out and take care of you.

Save the Date!

May 10 – DAR Idaho Annual Conference & Hidden Heroes Luncheon

On Friday, May 10, the Idaho State Society, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will honor Idaho’s hidden heroes during their annual conference. This year, though the leadership of 2020 Idaho Dole Caregiver Fellow, Linzi Andersen, Idaho DAR chapters have been working with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes Cities & Counties program to educate county and city governments about the challenges and struggles of military caregivers.

May 11 & May 16 – Face the Fight Crisis Response Plan (CRP) Training

Crisis Response Plan is a 5-hour synchronous training that teaches participants how to support veterans and civilians with suicide risk. You will leave equipped with skills to provide immediate support to those in crisis.

Impact in Action: Hope Fund for Critical Financial Assistance

After homelessness prevention – which is the top concern for families who have sought support through the Hope Fund – areas of acute need include emergency home repairs, utility payments, unexpected medical costs, and essential vehicle maintenance or avoidance of repossession.

In 2024, one of the grants given through the Hope Fund was to cover a $3,885.00 dental procedure bill, and the relief felt by the caregiver recipient was unparalleled.

“This is a huge burden lifted off our shoulders and we are so grateful. I was not expecting to get approved and especially didn’t think we would hear this fast.” – JG

As the first line of defense to get these families in a safer financial position, the Hope Fund ensures that veteran caregivers and their families participate in other Elizabeth Dole Foundation Financial Wellness programming. Our second line of defense is free financial workshops and tools – crafted or curated by and for veteran caregivers – that are made available to every caregiver who seeks support through the Hope Fund.

Finally, our financial assistance work includes our efforts at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to champion caregiver employment programs that support caregivers who wish to return to work.

“This life-changing work has been made possible by the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation,” said Steve Schwab. “It is an honor to continue the legacies of Bob and Dolores Hope by supporting the families who are most vulnerable in our community while honoring the service and sacrifice of our nation’s wounded service members, their caregivers, and their families. This is truly what it means to care for those who have borne the battle for our nation.”

Let’s Connect

Tell us about a great resource to highlight or a caregiver challenge in need of a solution.

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Until next time, join the conversation on social media!