Mark your calendars to show support for the unsung heroes in our community. The Montgomery County Commission on Aging is gearing up to host its annual public forum that spotlights the vital role played by unpaid caregivers. The event titled "Revaluing Care: Building Policies, Programs and Connections to Support Caregiving in Our Community," will hold court in Gaithersburg on May 21, as reported by Montgomery County.
Scheduled to run from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park, located at 506 South Frederick Ave., the forum is free to attend. However, heads up, if you want a seat at the table, registration is advised as space is limited. Not just a meet and greet, the forum is a platform for those frequently providing care without a paycheck—oftentimes women and particularly women of color—to voice their challenges and potentially shape future policy, as per Montgomery County's official press release.
This year's assembly will not only highlight the inequalities caregivers face but also craft a roadmap for services and community engagements, as the County heralds in a greater understanding and appreciation of caregiving's real value. With the systematic issue of non-compensated care work reinforcing social and economic disparities, the forum aims to change the narrative and, ultimately, the reality for those at the heart of care. As the press release puts it, "the forum aims to strengthen support for caregivers through public policy, services and community engagement."
