As caregivers, we rely on the support of other caregivers to:

• Help us learn how to navigate a complex system
• Share our stories and
• Discuss our challenges.

Caregiving is a lifelong journey that no one understands, unless they have experienced it. This program offers education, support, and socialization for caregivers caring for a loved one with a disability. 

There is a focus on those caring for a loved one with a developmental disability, but all are welcome.



We hope you will consider joining us.

November 2025

November is National Family Caregivers Month!

National Family Caregivers Month is a time to honor caregivers for their commitment, resilience and love, raise awareness on the crucial role that millions of family caregivers play in our healthcare system, educate communities on the challenges caregivers face and the supports they need, and connect caregivers with helpful resources to make their journey a little easier.

Keep an eye out for our upcoming email featuring valuable resources for caregivers in honor of National Family Caregivers Month!

We see you, and we are here to support you! 



Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Julie Ferguson if we can be of any assistance to you.

Email: jferguson@dawncil.org   Work Cell: (862) 753-7424

* Special Event: DAWNcil’s Annual Meeting *

Date: November 19, 2025

Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm

Location: Vasa Park, 93 Wolfe Road, Budd Lake NJ

    The agenda includes:

       Buffet Dinner

       Introduction of new Board Members

       Reappointment of existing Board Members

       Presentation of the Christine Crawn Schnorr Advocacy Award

       The Year in Review & a glimpse of next year’s goals

       An opportunity for members to share their ideas

November Caregiver Education Sessions

Caregiver Education Sessions

** PLEASE READ **

DAWN’s Caregiver Connection & Support Program, which brings you this caregiver education series, is funded by a grant from the Morris County Office on Aging, Disabilities, and Community Programming. The funding that DAWN receives to provide this program is directly tied to how many caregivers attend our Zoom sessions live. We will ensure that you receive the available information regardless of your attendance, but please help support us by joining the Zoom sessions live whenever you are able to do so.

No Limits: Building Confidence, Self-Awareness, and Self-Advocacy for College, Work & Life

Empowering youth with disabilities to own their journey and thrive in adulthood

   Presenter: Patricia Gerke, Assistant Director, Adult Center for Transitions, Rowan College at Burlington County 

Join us for an informative presentation on how caregivers can proactively build skills and support their teens and young adults to become confident, self-aware, and successful as they transition into life after graduation. Our speaker, Patricia Gerke, is a professional with years of experience working directly with young people as they enter college. She has firsthand insight into the skills and mindset young adults need to thrive—and how they can struggle when those tools aren’t in place.

While this presentation will discuss these critical skill sets in the context of those pursuing secondary educational programs, they are skills that will help a loved one live their best life as they explore employment opportunities and community activities as well.

   At the end of the presentation, Ms. Gerke will answer caregiver questions.

Thursday, November 13, 2025

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Register in advance for this meeting:

Planning for Siblings & Successor Trustees: Avoiding Future Conflicts

Presenter: Jeff B. Llewellyn, Practice Lead– Special Needs Planning, Rockwood Wealth Management

When caregiving, inheritance, and coordination of care reach the next generation, even the closest families can face tension and confusion. In this session, financial planner, Jeff Llewellyn, ChSNC®, will guide us through practical ways to prepare siblings and successor trustees for future responsibilities — protecting relationships, clarifying expectations, and ensuring your child’s needs are met throughout life. Learn how proactive planning today can prevent heartache tomorrow.

   At the end of the presentation, Mr. Llewellyn will answer caregiver questions.

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Register in advance for this meeting:

If you are new to our caregiver programming, Julie Ferguson, DAWN’s Caregiver Support Coordinator, will reach out to you to welcome you to the program, share information, and answer any questions you may have.

Please contact Julie Ferguson at (862)-753-7424 for further information.



This program is supported by Morris County Office on Aging, Disabilities, and Community Programming. Contributions are gladly accepted. Contributions are voluntary and are not required to participate in this programming.