Military Caregiver Support Program to Continue in Washington State

Tuesday, July 17th, 2018– AMERICUS, GA – After one and a half years of successfully providing a critical support system to military caregivers in the state of Washington, Operation Family Caregiver (OFC) is pleased that the program will continue for the next year. The Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF) has announced a new grant to the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving (RCI), which administers the unique military caregiver support program. BWF works to ensure injured veterans and their families are thriving long after they return home.

OFC is a proven, evidence-based program that provides support to the families of newly returning service members and veterans. Specially-trained coaches teach military families the skills they need to overcome unforeseen challenges and cope more effectively with problems they never imagined. Caregivers who have completed the program report being less depressed and more satisfied with their lives, have fewer health complaints, and are generally more prepared to take care of their families.

Since its launch in 2012, OFC has helped more than 700 families across the country. It can be provided in person or via Skype. In Washington state, the program is implemented by Easterseals Washington, which has been serving children and adults with disabilities across the state as a stand-alone non-profit organization since 1947. Easterseals Washington began offering OFC’s unique skill-building training to military caregivers last year. The program provides much-needed support to military caregivers across the state, which is home to more than 580,000 veterans and many more service members.

“We were so pleased that the Bob Woodruff Foundation brought OFC into Washington state,” said RCI’s executive director Dr. Leisa Easom, “and we have seen significant benefits to caregivers in the Pacific Northwest. I am thrilled that the foundation recognizes the value of this program and will continue to fund it for the next year.”