Volunteers can share their lives

Part of a parent’s job is to prepare their children to become independent enough to go out into the world on their own. Helping them navigate the rituals of growing up and moving out of the house can be worrisome for any parent.

What if your child is developmentally disabled? Those everyday parenting challenges are multiplied tenfold. As you age, or are diagnosed with a major health problem, the worry is compounded by fear, the fear of who will help your child when you can’t.

Maybe there is another family member who can step up and accept the challenge, but what if there isn’t?

The Community and Residential Empowerment Services Agency is designed to help ease those fears in a variety of ways, including its “Lifesharing” program.

Lifesharing works the same way as foster care. Loving families find room in their homes and hearts to provide developmentally disabled people with a family home environment, where they share in life experiences and pursue life to the fullest. It’s a mentoring program designed to build long-term relationships between their VIPs and host families.

Margaret Schock and Dave Hegarty of Tamaqua have been opening their home as lifesharers for many years. Schock says, “Sharing your home can be hard, but it’s very rewarding. It’s important to match individuals to caregivers they can relate to, and vice versa. It’s also very important to have a good support system, like the support offered at CARES.”

Sarah Wentz, who is CARES’ lifesharing assistant, is also a lifesharer.

“I think everyone in a leadership position here has been, or still is, a lifesharer. We know firsthand how important it is to match the right people and that offering round-the-clock support is truly essential for success.”

The agency currently has 36 VIPs and is in need of lifesharers in Schuylkill and Carbon counties.

“We offer potential lifesharers a variety of ways to share their love and compassion,” Wentz says. “We offer training and support to all, from full-time lifesharers to those who are available for a few days, weeks or hours to offer our caregivers a respite from the 24/7 responsibilities.”

When a family shows an interest in providing a lifesharing home, they are carefully screened and matched with a VIP. “We set up meetings and offer a bit of a trial program, where they can spend a few hours, an overnight visit, days or weeks together to see if they are right for each other,” Wentz said. “Before you start, you and we need to know your boundaries, what you’re willing to deal with.”

The agency’s VIPs may also attend day programs focusing on volunteerism, vocational and social skills and recreational activities. The goal is to help participants become familiar, valuable members of the community.

While sharing your home with a nonfamily member isn’t for everyone, Wentz suggests, “Don’t dismiss the idea out of hand. You might surprise yourself once you become familiar with the program. You can always start by providing respite care.”

Anyone interested in learning more about the program may contact Wentz at 570-573-1822.