Strengthening Families

Goal: Give parents the support needed to carry out their vital role in these uncertain times and provide members with disabilities and older family members the opportunities to continue to enjoy full and independent lives.

Problem: Growing pressures that affect daily living is an emerging issue for many families. Special challenges are also faced by families who are caring for members who are older and frail or who have a disability.

Solution: United Way, in partnership with human service organizations, government and foundations:

• Provides stress-related mental health counseling to both parents and their children. Culturally sensitive home care and community-based activities are provided to seniors and people with disabilities.
• Transports Putnam seniors who don’t have a way to get to doctors’ offices; and gives temporary relief to families caring for members who are disabled to avoid burnout.
• Offers older adults and children the chance to build meaningful and trusting relationships with each other. One example is an innovative tutoring program that pairs caring seniors with youth performing poorly in school.

Results: More than 3,900 parents, children and caregivers participated in stress-reduction efforts; home and community-based help was given to 5,300 seniors and 130 adults with disabilities; and 61 Putnam seniors used the shuttle throughout the year to get medical care.

Challenge: What we have done thus far is a good beginning. But it is essential that we reach out to at least twice as many struggling families to get them the help they need.

You can help.