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The CIP Story begins in the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and its ripple effects are felt coast to coast.

The Caregiver Incentive Project, a.k.a. “CIP” is a small non-profit located in the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. CIP’s mission is to improve the lives of caregivers and in turn improve the lives of the cared-for. The need for caregivers in Michigan grows every day and with the U.P.’s population, including a higher percentage of seniors, this means the need for caregivers in the U.P. is greater than throughout the rest of the state. With the need growing every day, the mission to improve the caregiving environment in our state is critical.

CIP delivers on their mission through caregiver outreach, education and support. CIP’s outreach efforts include sharing what it means to be a caregiver and the difference a caregiver makes between existing and living. Education from CIP includes safe transfers, CPR, caregiver professionalism, the importance of self-care and communication skills. Support from CIP means connections to the right people, organizations, scholarships and or direct financial uplifts and membership in the caregiving community.

The team identifies the unique needs within U.P. communities and offers training to help meet those needs. Each training participant leaves knowing they have become a member of the caregiving community and that support is never far away.

How does CIP know how to do this? The team is made up of caregivers. They are caregivers, they hire caregivers, and they educate caregivers. The team has a combined 180+ years of caregiving experience. Please take note, they do not do this alone. The work is accomplished through community relationships and partnership. The outreach and educational efforts include the work of professionals the team has surrounded themselves with. CIP’s educational partners include over twenty different educators ranging from veteran caregivers, attorneys, PhDs, DNPs, PTs and wellness coaches.

CIP is supported by and collaborates with many organizations. Since its founding, the work has been made possible with significant grant funding from major partners as well as grassroots support from families and individuals in the U.P., across the state of Michigan, and nationwide. Some of those organizations making things possible are the NMU Center for Rural Health on Northern Michigan University’s campus and the Michigan Center for Rural Health in Lansing on MSU’s campus, IMPART Alliance/Michigan State University, the Superior Health Foundation, the United Way of Marquette County, the Community Foundation of Marquette County, the Michigan Health Endowment Fund and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation.

One thing for certain that the CIP knows is that caregiving will touch everyone’s life at some time, humans either have been a caregiver, are a caregiver, will be a caregiver or will need a caregiver.

No matter who you are, what your background is, or where you live, one fact is almost guaranteed in this life: you will be affected by caregiving. You might need in-home senior care as you age in place, or you might have a child born with special needs. Or maybe you’re unexpectedly called upon to care for a loved one who survived an accident. Caregiving is at times called the unexpected profession.

There are countless types caregiving and we’re all going to be affected. It’s not if, but when and the CIP organization is ready to help you be confident for your caregiving story. In the meantime, CIP could really use your support to continue our mission. Your donation will go along way to keeping our community safe.

Until next time “take good care”, Eric Paad, CIP Founder and President.

For more information, please visit us at https//:caregiverincentiveproject.org and share your caregiving story with us.