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 

