Theisen Caregiver Resource Center at Stonehill
At a Glance
- A place for caregivers to connect with each other;
- Access resources, experts and support;
- Manage stress and take time for self-care
About Us
Caring for a loved one with chronic illness is physically and emotionally exhausting — and oftentimes overwhelming.
"No matter what caregivers need — even if it’s just a hug — this center will be there to provide it," says Jim Theisen, who envisioned a center in Dubuque where caregivers can go to feel supported and access resources they need. Jim has generously donated $1 million as a challenge grant to establish an endowment and ensure the center becomes a reality. Our goal is to raise $1 million to match his gift, growing the endowment to $2 million. The annual payout from the endowment will sustain the center for years to come. With your support, we can establish this community center for our region's dedicated caregivers.
What is it? The Theisen Caregiver Resource Center at Stonehill is a place where non-professionals who care for loved ones with chronic illnesses can go for an array of resources — most of which will be at no cost — that support them in their caregiver journey, including:
- Educational, medical and legal library and resources
- Social work assistance
- Support groups
- Stonehill's Wellness Center and massage services
The Caregiver Resource Center is housed in a new facility on the Stonehill campus in Dubuque, where caregivers will have access to and benefit from the expertise of the Stonehill staff and the organization’s experience serving people with chronic illnesses and their families.
Why is it needed? 78% of adults living in need of long-term care depend on family and friends as their only source of help. However, there are few resources to support these caregivers through the stress of tending to their loved ones' needs while balancing other life matters. The Caregiver Resource Center is a first of its kind in the Dubuque region — a community resource and gathering place where caregivers can go for support, learn from others, and not feel alone.
What is the benefit? Entire families benefit when caregivers have easy access to the resources they need. Those providing care have the assurance that the help they are receiving is from experts in their fields, while those who are ill benefit from the expert assistance their caregivers receive. Importantly, having a place for self-care means that caregivers and their loved ones can manage the stress that chronic illness can bring to a family.
Mission
Our goal is to raise $1 million to match his gift, growing the endowment to $2 million. The annual payout from the endowment will sustain the center for years to come. With your support, we can establish this community center for our region's dedicated caregivers.
Basic Information
Phone
563.690.9660Address
Located within Stonehill Communities, 3485 Windsor Avenue Dubuque, Iowa 52001Director
Tracy Connolly
Director Email
tconnolly@stonehilldbq.comSuccess Story
For years, Jim Theisen cared for his late wife, Marita, as she progressed through Alzheimer’s Disease. While happy to support his spouse, the experience was physically and emotionally exhausting.
“My mother dealt with Alzheimer’s for a number of years, and Dad was the primary caregiver,” says Chris Theisen. “in the end, we had to get the entire family involved. It’s challenging dealing with anybody with a chronic illness. You think you can handle it all by yourself, but at some point in time, you need to reach out to other people.”
In recent years, Jim learned about and visited a center in Cedar Rapids that provides resources and support for caregivers like him and his family members. As Dubuque residents know, Jim leads the community through his generosity and vision, and his visit to Cedar Rapids led him to develop a vision for a caregiver center in Dubuque.
Just as the entire Theisen family has helped care for Marita, the family is supporting Jim’s vision for the Theisen Caregiver Resource Center. Located within Stonehill Communities, the Resource Center is a place where non-professionals who care for loved ones with chronic illnesses can go to learn, make connections, unwind and take care of themselves. Most of these resources are available at no cost in the interest of supporting caregivers.
According to a 2004 study cited by the national Caregiver Action Network, 78% of adults in need of long-term care depend on family and friends as their only source of help. Yet there are few resources to support these caregivers through the stress of tending to their loved ones' needs while balancing other life matters. The Caregiver Resource Center is a first of its kind in the Dubuque region — a community resource and gathering place where caregivers can go for support, learn from others, and not feel alone.
"No matter what caregivers need — even if it’s just a hug — this center will be there to provide it," says Jim. He has generously contributed $1 million as a challenge grant to make the center reality, and he is asking the community to match his gift.
Fund Details
Fund Name
Theisen Caregiver Resource Center at Stonehill
Year Founded
2019
Type of Fund
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Theisen Caregiver Resource Center at Stonehill