Wisconsin Family and Caregiver Support Alliance
The Wisconsin Family and Caregiver Support Alliance (WFACSA) will address the needs of families who provide care, improve resource coordination, increase access to family supports and sustain Wisconsin families into the future.
May 15, 2019 is National Caregiver Awareness Day!
National Caregivers Day is observed annually on the third Friday in February, recognizing the careproviders, both paid and unpaid, who provide personal cares of all types to people with disabilities, older adults and other family members and friends who require support to remain healthy and living in their homes and communities. It is estimated that in Wisconsin, 549,000 caregivers are providing 588,000 million hours of care to loved ones annually, valued at nearly $6 billion dollars. Wisconsin employers confirm the impact of caregtiving on the workforce in a survey sponsored by WFACSA. Read the full news release HERE.
The Caregiver Data Sheet highlights the needs of caregivers in Wisconsin. The WFACSA has compiled Policy Recommendations to address these needs.
Vision Statement
Our communities will be accepting places for people of all ages and abilities to live with the supports needed for the person, their families and caregivers. Our communities are stronger when we work together to support each other.
We believe
- Our communities are stronger when we work together to support each other.
- When family caregivers know information, have options and access to opportunities, they can better advocate for their needs and the needs of their loved one.
- The needs of the caregiver drive the prioritization of our shared resources.
- In encouraging one another to strive for positive outcomes and evidence-based decisions to further our mission and mutual goals.
- The community of family caregivers is a growing and changing population served best when diversity is respected and celebrated.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to raise awareness of family and caregiver support needs and increase the availability of and access to services and supports (both paid and unpaid) which will keep people across the lifespan engaged in their community as long as they desire.
Membership
Disability and Aging advocacy groups and organizations are invited to be listed as members of the Wisconsin Family and Caregiver Support Alliance. The WFACSA does not engage in lobbying activities but seeks to educate its members about public policy and other issues related to improved supports for caregivers. If you would like to sign on to WFACSA as an organizational or individual member, follow this link. WFACSA Membership. For more information send an email to wfacsa@gmail.org or contact Co-Chairs Lisa Pugh Pugh@thearc.org or Lynn Gall Lynn.Gall@dhs.wisconsin.gov.
Steering Committee Organizations
The Arc Wisconsin
Family Voices of Wisconsin
Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources
Parent University
Respite Care Association of Wisconsin
WisconSibs, Inc
Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities
Wisconsin Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources
Wisconsin Women's Council
Supporting Organizations
Wisconsin Family and Caregiver Support Alliance Handout