By Diane Blaszka
Hamilton, NJ – May 20, 2012 — In a room packed with volunteers, board members, community leaders and legislators, Interfaith Caregivers of Greater Mercer County (ICGMC), recently honored hundreds of its Mercer County volunteer caregivers. Formerly known as Interfaith Caregivers of Greater Trenton, the Hamilton-based nonprofit has provided free caregiving services to homebound elderly and people with disabilities since 1994.
Held at the Nottingham Ballroom in Hamilton and made possible by a grant from the F.I.S.H. Foundation, Inc., the April 24th event featured keynote speaker Dr. Teena Cahill, an author, psychologist and highly acclaimed speaker on issues involving family living, mental health and wellness. Speaking from personal and professional experience about the many challenges that caregivers face, Dr. Cahill encouraged attendees to stay positive and hopeful. “Hope is biological,” she explained, describing its numerous proven physical and emotional benefits.
Based in Plainsboro, NJ, the F.I.S.H. Foundation, Inc. supports causes involving education, health and spirituality. It encourages the growth of individuals and groups that seek to deepen the faith-based aspects of people’s lives and engages in the advancement of people’s personal and communal spiritual identities. In addition to funding Interfaith Caregivers’ volunteer recognition dinner, it supports an annual retreat for the nonprofit’s group leaders and its Angel Fund, which helps ICGMC community members in need.
Last year alone, ICGMC recruited three new congregations/members, and added 130 new care receivers and 71 new volunteers. Its 241 active volunteers from 28 interdenominational congregations provided 10,910 hours of free services to close to 300 elderly people with disabilities — an increase in hours of more than 12.7% over 2010. Free services included transportation to doctors’ offices, shopping, friendly visiting, light housekeeping and home maintenance, telephone reassurance and occasional meal preparation, enabling care receivers to avoid institutionalization and stay in their homes — independently, safely and with dignity. To volunteer, donate, and/or request services and information, call Executive Director Sarah Thoma at 609-393-9922.
