When caregivers, like you, are empowered to take care of themselves, you can better care for those who depend on you most. Learn more about our Caregiver Series.

Curtis Ponder Sr., a dedicated son, has embraced a role that millions find both rewarding and challenging: being the primary caregiver for his elderly mother. Curtis’s journey is one marked by selflessness and determination, but it is also one fraught with stress, and even depression.

For years, he has been the primary source of comfort and care for his elderly mother, a role that, while filled with love, has also brought its fair share of challenges. The stress of providing round-the-clock care, the weight of isolation, and the burden of managing his mother’s health took a toll on Curtis’s well-being. He found himself struggling, not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too.

In Curtis’s own words, “The Caregivers program helped me by connecting me to a network of other caregivers. It helped me finally get out of the house.” This poignant statement encapsulates the transformative impact of the Caring for Caregivers program on his life. 

The Caring for Caregivers program is more than just a support network; it’s a community that understands the unique challenges faced by individuals like Curtis. The program offers a safe space where caregivers can share their experiences, fears, and triumphs without judgment. For Curtis, this sense of belonging was invaluable. Meeting others who walked similar paths made him realize he was not alone in his struggles.

The program facilitated group discussions, workshops, and counseling sessions, providing caregivers with practical tools to manage stress and promote self-care. These resources were not just informative but also comforting, offering tangible solutions to the complex emotional landscape of caregiving.

One of the program’s most significant offerings was the opportunity to expand his support network. Curtis found solace in the friendships he formed within the caregiver community. These connections became a source of strength, a reminder that there were people who cared, understood, and were willing to lend a helping hand.