Faith in Action-Interfaith Caregivers programs are part of a nationwide interfaith volunteer caregiving initiative funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. These programs bring together volunteers of many faiths to help people who have long-term health needs or disabilities maintain their independence for as long as possible by providing non-medical assistance with daily activities.
There are five "Building Blocks" that make up the Faith in Action-Interfaith Caregivers program model.
Interfaith - Along with appropriate community agencies, each program includes faith congregations representative of the local community. Caregiving services and volunteer opportunities are available to individuals of all faiths as well as those who have no formal religious affiliation. Due to the interfaith nature of the program, proselytizing is not permitted.
Volunteer - The people providing the services are volunteers.
Caregiving - Volunteers provide non-medical caregiving, such as transportation for medical appointments or friendly visiting, as opposed to training or education.
Long-term health needs - People with long-term health needs are the recipients of Faith in Action-Interfaith Caregivers services.
Home Based- The service is home based as opposed to center or clinic based.
According to data from the Institute for Health Care Research and Policy at Georgetown University, more than 12 million Americans have serious long-term health conditions, which may force them to seek assistance with everyday activities in order to remain independent. Faith in Action-Interfaith Caregivers addresses this need by working with care recipients of all ages including the frail/elderly, children with disabilities, and those affected by HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, mental illness and more.
Faith in Action-Interfaith Caregivers volunteer activities may include shopping for groceries, providing rides to medical appointments, cooking meals, doing light housework, running errands and providing companionship through visiting or phoning. Volunteers also may provide respite care and relief for family caregivers. With this volunteer assistance, the growing number of aging and ill members of the community can maintain their independence for as long as possible.
The legendary singer and actress Della Reese has been the national spokesperson for Faith in Action-Interfaith Caregivers since 2003. Her efforts to promote the good works of Faith in Action volunteers have resulted in substantial media coverage on television and radio and in newspapers and magazines.
"If it wasn't for Faith in Action, I couldn't live in my home."
- F.M., Faith in Action-Interfaith Caregivers care recipient
