DECEMBER 26 • 2024 | 31
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here are an estimated 1.4
million family caregivers in
Michigan, with one in five
adults caring for family members or
friends. This population has a tremen-
dous need for support as they take on
extra responsibilities and physical work
caring for loved ones.
That’s why Jewish Family Service
of Metro Detroit’s Family Caregiver
Support Program hosted its first
Family Caregiver Expo on Sept. 19 in

West Bloomfield, which was funded
by the Community Foundation for
Southeast Michigan.
More than 60 people attended the
free expo, which was opened by a
panel of three community caregivers
who discussed their personal experi-
ences with caregiving. Representatives
from several community agencies were
present, allowing expo participants to
talk directly to those who could con-
nect them with services and resources,

and JFS therapists volunteered to give
15-minute behavioral health consulta-
tions.
Participants enjoyed gentle yoga ses-
sions from the International Institute
of Yoga Therapy and sound healing
demonstrations by Zachary Wolf of
Illuminous Frequencies. Evie Breuer
led an interactive presentation on the
BASIC Ph Model for well-being and
resilience, and Howard H. Collens pre-
sented legal tips and tools important

for family caregivers.
“It was heartwarming to see so many
caregivers engaged and inspired at
the event. The positive feedback we
received confirms the need for more
such gatherings. We can’t wait to do it
again!” said Yuliya Gaydayenko, chief
program officer, Older Adult Services.
To learn about JFS’ Family Caregiver
Support Program and its other ser-
vices, visit jfsdetroit.org or contact the
Resource Center at (248) 592-2313.

JFS Family
Caregiver Expo

Howard H. Collens, Emily Gordon and Evie Breuer

Crowd at Family
Caregiver Expo

Pamela Viviano, Constance Potter, Suzanne Berman and Emily Gordon