Supporting Caregivers of All Ages

The Caregivers Support Network was created by the Founders of The Palms of Largo, Sidney Goodman and John Goodman, to encourage and support the community in which we are located. The Goodmans are a major employer in the City of Largo and believe in the value of establishing an exceptional quality of life for all of the people they touch, whether they are the residents who live on the 96-acre campus of The Palms of Largo, their families, or the dedicated employees and professionals they work with in the greater community. Sidney and John Goodman believe in developing and creating the environment that focuses on wellness in body, mind, and spirit for all.

Over the years, our organization has provided a philanthropic base for worthy ideas including scholarships and service projects mostly by individuals. Realizing The Palms of Largo has a broad influence throughout the county, the Caregivers Support Network has broadened its mission. We have come to realize a new mission to provide resources to all caregivers in Pinellas County, Florida, through support groups, education, information, scholarships, and investment. Our broad program is The Caregivers' Journey – Before, During, and After. This wide ranging program will provide the framework for enhanced assistance to caregivers of all ages and those who support them with information, hope, and heart.

One of our current initiatives includes the development of the Caregiving Youth Project of Pinellas, in affiliation with the American Association of Caregiving Youth, to develop a support mechanism for middle-and high-school students as they provide care for family members. A 2005 national study determined as many as 1.3 million children provide care to family members. Caregiving youth may incur physical, psychological, and educational ramifications, in addition to a loss of childhood. They may be unable to complete homework or to participate in after school activities to improve their lives.

Other studies reveal there are 44.4 million adults in the U.S. who provide unpaid care for another person. Another initiative is to support these unsung heroes and include workshops to promote wellness, provide information, internships for university students in social work, nursing, gerontology, therapies, and other helping professions. The Caregivers Support Network pledges a renewed effort to students seeking education in areas which will benefit the helping professions over the long-term. Support groups for caregivers established by the Caregivers Support Network are also essential in providing a safe haven for people to receive hope and affirmation that they are not alone.