Merry Christmas!
The Holidays have arrived, and I am reflecting on all that we have been blessed with this year.
The older I become, the more I realize that it is not “stuff” that I am interested in and it is less and less about “receiving” than it is giving.
In the Bible, Paul wrote "the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ " (Acts 20:35 NIV).
Midwest Family Care is privileged to serve so many wonderful families across South Central Wisconsin.
I want to personally thank each one of you. Our work could not be done without our dedicated care team. Looking back on this year and where we are now as an organization, I am in awe of the many incredible individuals that look at their work not as a job, but as a vocation.
I wish you all a very merry Christmas and also a happy holiday season as you all make plans to celebrate Christmas and the holidays in some special way.
Looking back with gratitude and looking forward with hope,
Robert Weink
Midwest Family Care Founder
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Sara Clark Named Caregiver of the Month
Please join us in congratulating Sara Clark, our
Caregiver of the Month for December.
Sara, pictured here with client Patricia Hassing, was inspired by her grandmother to pursue a career in care.
After working as a direct support professional in a community-based residential facility (CBRF) for three years and being an in-home caregiver for a little over two years now, she would like to attend school for psychology in the near future.
"I'd like to help people by understanding the different types of illnesses a lot of our clients face and suffer on a daily basis," Sara said.
Her advice for caregivers is to show compassion and to listen to clients.
"Each one has stories and life lessons to share," she said. "A lot of them go through or been through so much in their lives, and our visits often mean the world to them!"
She said each one of her clients are unique and impact her life differently. Some get happy and excited when she arrives, she explained. Some even call her "My Sara."
"It's such an amazing feeling to know that I make a difference in their lives," Sara said, "and they do the same for me."
Sara said that all around, caregiving is a rewarding job!
Congratulations, Sara, and keep up the great work! We are proud to have you among our family of caregivers!
Learn more about Sara, about other caregivers, and about the company below.
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Madison Holiday Assistant Programs
Grants, and Emergency Aid
This organization offers financial assistance and emergency crisis grants including a
rent subsidy
, childcare assistance, and transportation assistance while enrolled
CAC also helps with financial counseling, budgeting skills, referrals to government programs, advice, credit counseling, debt assistance, and financial literacy programs.
Alliant Energy Center
December 18 & 19
8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Parents who missed the deadline for the Empty Stocking Program and don't have vouchers can sign up on-site at the Empty Stocking Club.
You must have a photo ID, proof of current address, and birth certificate or proof of birthdate.
Organizers have received all submissions, and you will be eligible to select toys on Dec. 18 and 19 during the Empty Stocking program days.
Look for vouchers with more details within the next few weeks. The application period has been closed.
630 East Washington Avenue
608.256.2321
Millions of children in America will go without Christmas gifts because their parents can't afford them. Financial and emotional stress can dampen the holiday season.
The Salvation Army brings happy holidays to people through the Angel Tree Program, grocery and food assistance, bill pay assistance, and holiday events.
To find out more information about assistance, visit the
Salvation Army
website.
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How to Prepare for Cold & Flu Season
Midwest Family Care
's Staff LPN Michele Klee assembled some great information and tips for the upcoming cold and flu season.
Colds spread when someone who’s sick sneezes or coughs, sending virus-filled droplets flying through the air. You can get sick if you touch a surface (such as a counter top or doorknob) that has recently been touched by an infected person and then touch your nose, mouth, or eyes.
You’re most contagious in the first two to four days after you were exposed to the virus.
Influenza is an upper respiratory illness. You can catch the flu by coming into contact with droplets spread by an infected person.
You’re contagious starting one day before you get sick and up to five to seven days after you show symptoms.
Check out our infographic below:
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December is AIDS
Awareness Month
AIDS Awareness Month
is a key opportunity to raise awareness, to commemorate those who have passed, and to celebrate victories such as increased access to treatment and prevention services.
According to
AIDS.gov
, more than one million Americans are living with HIV, but one in five of them are not aware.
The AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin offers free/confidential HIV and Hepatitis C screening/testing Mondays through Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
Walk-ins are welcome. Results are given within twenty minutes of screening.
The center is located at the Gateway Mall, 600 Williamson Street, Madison, WI 53706.
For more information, call the ARCW office at 608.252.6540.
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CAREGIVER POLL: What additional training would you find valuable to your job as a caregiver?
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Hoyer or Physical Aspects
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Other? Email us at info@midwestfamilycare.org
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Midwest Family Care Welcomes Our
Newest Administrative Team Members
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Welcome Keirstyn!
Caregiving is a family tradition for Keirstyn: she has provided Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and senior care for family members. She plans to pursue a degree in either nursing or in behavioral therapy. Keirstyn predicts her experience at
Midwest Family Care
will help her decide which academic path to take.
To learn more about Keirstyn in her own words, visit our blog. Welcome Keirstyn!
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Welcome Fahlicity!
Fahlicity started with Midwest Family Care in early 2017 as a caregiver. She joins the administrative team with valuable, in-field experience and insight. She said her purpose when caring for others is to listen to clients and to take care of their everyday needs in a personalized, professional way. Fahlicity recently earned a diploma in a medical office and administration program.
Welcome Fahlicity!
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4916 E. Broadway, Suite A | Madison, WI 53716
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