Community Corner
Give back to your community as a REST trainer
Becoming a REST trainer can be a rewarding experience
Those looking for a rewarding volunteer or service opportunity can attend one of two upcoming REST (Respite Education & Support Tools) training sessions, Feb. 26-27, and March 5-6, at Windsor Park Retirement Community, 124 Windsor Park Drive, Carol Stream, Ill.
“We have met so many inspiring people through our training program who have a passion to make a significant impact on their communities,” said Lois Sheaffer, REST program director. “Baby Boomers and post-war vets have discovered a meaningful way to serve in their retirement as REST volunteers. Those seeking a career change may benefit from the experience REST provides.”
REST trainers also discover gratification, knowing they are meeting an urgent need, Sheaffer added.
Find out what's happening in Glen Ellynfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Respite – or short-term relief – for those caring for a family member or other loved one remains a crucial need throughout our community. Today, more than 67 million individuals in the United States provide care for an elderly parent, spouse, or child with disabilities at least 20 hours per week, sometimes without support.
The two-day interactive Train-the-Trainer program equips and prepares individuals to teach an eight-hour volunteer respite training class in their own communities. Settings can include churches, universities, community groups and other organizations that wish to create a network of skilled volunteer respite care workers.
Find out what's happening in Glen Ellynfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The REST Train-the-Trainer program can be customized to reflect an organization’s vision and needs. In addition, all REST training materials are available in English as well as in Spanish for bilingual trainers.
Attendees who complete the training course can receive 6.75 Continuing Education hours through the Illinois Department of Human Services. Lunch and snacks will be provided.
For information on REST, contact Wendy Berk, program coordinator, at 630-397-5659 or wberk@restprogram.org or visit www.restprogram.org.
REST (Respite Education and Support Tools) is a nationally recognized program of Marklund, a nonprofit organization that serves children and adults with serious and profound developmental disabilities and special healthcare needs. Since its launching in February 2013, REST has developed trainers and volunteers in 15 states and in Canada, to date.
###
Contact: Dawn Lassiter-Brueske,
Director of Marketing, Communications and PR,
630.593.5467-d, DLassiter@Marklund.org, 630.429.8461-c
