New Phase of Partnership will Provide Military- and Veteran-Connected Caregivers with Unique Group Support Based on Shared Life Experiences
AMERICUS, GA – The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers (RCI) is proud to announce it has been awarded a grant from Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) as part of an ongoing partnership focused on engaging caregivers in veteran and military families. The new round of funding will support the expansion of RCI’s Operation Family Caregiver (OFC) and Operation Caregiver Support (OCS) programs, and build upon the success of the last twelve months by further strengthening the community of support for post-9/11 caregivers.
The powerful partnership with Wounded Warrior Project, first announced in November 2020, helped launch the cutting-edge Operation Caregiver Support program to address the unique needs of military family caregivers based on RCI’s hallmark 1:1 coaching program, OFC. The next phase will expand this program to a wider audience of post-9/11 military caregivers and develop new virtual group offerings to help caregivers foster connections and cultivate new skills, both in English and Spanish.
“Wounded Warrior Project is an unmatched leader in providing military and veteran families with the help they need, and we are honored to build on the success of our partnership with this next phase of our Operation Caregiver Support program,” said Dr. Jennifer Olsen, Chief Executive Officer of RCI. “Our work has shown that caregivers aren’t just connected by the health challenges facing the person they are caring for, but by the lived experiences and cultural aspects caregivers share. With this new round of support, we can continue serving and empowering the veteran and military caregivers that work so hard to support those who sacrificed for our country.”
In addition to expanding both OFC and OCS programs to all post-9/11 military caregivers, participants will have access to specialized support groups based on mutual relatedness, such as being a parent and caring for their veteran child. By engaging with and providing support groups to specific caregiver populations, caregivers can connect with individuals that are going through similar issues and strengthen their support network and sense of community.
“Our partnerships with other organizations are vital to ensuring the needs of veterans and caregivers are met,” said WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington. “Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers offers free and meaningful programming for anyone caring for a family member or friend with an injury due to military service. We’re honored to support the important work they are doing to make certain caregivers have opportunities to build coping strengths and techniques on their journey. No organization can stand alone to meet the complex needs of America’s wounded veterans and their caregivers. We are stronger together and are proud of the work we are doing together through our partnership.”
About the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers
The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers promotes the health, strength, and resilience of caregivers throughout the United States. Established in 1987 by former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, the Institute’s priority is the family caregiver: those individuals who care for a relative, friend, or loved one. To learn more about RCI, visit www.rosalynncarter.org.
About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more.