Recognizing the Atlanta Region’s Caregivers

Care-Net Meeting Attendees

November is National Family Caregivers Month, although many know that care partners should be celebrated every day of the year for their commitment to those they care for and sacrifices they make of their own time, comfort, and, all too often, livelihoods. This year, President Joe Biden made a special proclamation on National Family Caregivers Month recognizing the love and sacrifice of American caregivers.

On November 13, 2022, the Atlanta Regional Care-Net[1] held their first in-person meeting since COVID‑19 lockdowns started in March 2020. It was held at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Tucker, and there were also some people that joined in virtually.  In celebration of National Family Caregivers Month, the CARE-NET Regional Caregivers of the Year were recognized.  There were three categories:  Family Caregiver, Volunteer Caregiver, and Para-pro Caregiver.  And the winners are:

  • Family Caregiver – Ayanna Swain (BRI Care Consultation Client)

    Alyssa Perkins, Ayanna Swain (Family Caregiver Winner), and Pat Baker
  • Volunteer Caregiver – Barbara Turner (Rosa, Inc.)

    Alyssa Perkins, Barbara Turner (Volunteer Winner from Rosa, Inc.) and Pat Baker
  • Para-Pro Caregiver –  Amanda Hill (Cherokee County Senior Services)

    Alyssa Perkins, Melanie Holmes, Amanda Hill (Para-Pro Winner), and Pat Baker

The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiver’s representative with Care-Net, Carrie Harris, called into the meeting to offer congratulatory remarks to the regional Caregivers of the Year. Next, the Rosalyn Carter Institute team will select the Georgia state winner from the regional winners.

At the end of the day, all of our caregivers are winners because of their selfless acts, effort, and compassion towards those who need their care. We are grateful for all that you do!

[1] Per https://www.rosalynncarter.org/programs/, “The Georgia Care-Net Coalition was formed in 1990, when the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers recognized a need for more engagement and collaboration between paid, professional, and unpaid family caregivers. Since then, Care-Nets have grown to include family and professional caregivers, community leaders, the business community, government officials, and professionals in the areas of health care, mental health, education, and beyond.”

Visit our Resources for Caregivers page to learn more about being a care partner. For more information about ARC’s BRI telephone-based support program for older people with health challenges and their caregivers, please call 1-844-557-1686 or email careconsultation@atlantaregional.org.

Alyssa Perkins

Alyssa Perkins is the lead caregiver specialist for the BRI care consultation program, which provides consultations for over 100 caregivers in the Atlanta region with compassionate support while linking caregivers to community resources and services. Alyssa has been working for the Atlanta Regional Commission since 2017 in the Aging and Disability Resource Center. She has been practicing social work for over 25 years and is dedicated to empowering caregivers along their journey.