Reaching Caregiving Youth: Creating Access through Expansion of WisconSibs Programming

Addressing health challenges for sibling caregivers of people with disabilities

Full Project Name:Reaching Caregiving Youth: Creating Access through Expansion of WisconSibs ProgrammingPrimary Community Organization:WisconSibs, Inc.Primary Academic Partner:Jessica Foley, PhD, PediatricsAward Amount:$50,000

Award Date

January2024

Project Duration:12 months

Project Summary:

Today, 80% of daily disability care for individuals with disabilities is provided by family members, and 64% of siblings anticipate becoming a caregiver at some point in their life. Sibling caregivers as young as eight years-old experience emotional, physical, and mental effects of caregiving responsibilities.

Through the Reaching Caregiving Youth Project, early intervention, education, and support will be provided to young caregivers of individuals with disabilities, in efforts to mitigate the physical and emotional toll they can experience. Building on WisconSibs’ existing programming, peer-to-peer workshops and leadership trainings will be offered, preparing caregiving siblings for the future and equipping them with leadership development skills.

Outcomes & Lessons Learned:

Successfully integrated new WisconSibs ‘Sibshop coordinators in both Milwaukee and Madison to ensure strong local leadership and continuation of these vital programs
Hosted a Sibshop facilitator training in Madison, Wisconsin, which trained 16 individuals on becoming certified Sibshop facilitators to ensure WisconSibs is maintaining high-quality programming and expanding community reach
Successfully hosted 18 Sibshops, with approximately 150 siblings registering and participating, across the Milwaukee and Madison regions to provide a much-needed space for siblings of children with special needs to share experiences, build friendships, and learn coping skills in a supportive environment