College of Social Work begins new partnership to aid veterans and their caregivers

Beginning in 2015, the FSU College of Social Work will partner with the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving to offer the program Operation Family Caregiver (OFC)to military caregivers. Offering free, confidential support to family and friends of service members and veterans, the OFC program aids caregivers in managing difficult transitions and obstacles. Currently, the OFC program operates in four other service locations nationwide in California, Texas, and New York.

“Caregivers who have been through Operation Family Caregiver report being more satisfied with their lives, and feeling better prepared to take care of their loved ones,” RCI’s executive director Dr. Leisa Easom said. “We know the program works, and we are thrilled to be making it available to more families.”

The Operation Family Caregiver program in Tallahassee will represent a new model, offering the program’s first university-based location through FSU and housed by the College of Social Work. This new location will also provide needed services to the southeastern United States. The partnership is also particularly important for the state of Florida, as it is home to the sixth highest concentration of military and veteran populations in the nation. Nearly 400 military personnel and veterans as well as almost 600 dependents are currently enrolled at FSU; along with more than 600 veterans at nearby Tallahassee Community College and Florida A&M University.

College of Social Work faculty member Margaret Ashmore will oversee the coordination of the OFC Tallahassee program along with the caregiver coach that will work directly with military caregivers in the southeast. The College will also work with the Student Veterans Center at FSU to reach veterans directly in the Tallahassee area.

To learn more about Operation Family Caregiver visit: http://www.operationfamilycaregiver.org/.