2023 Iowa CareGivers (IC) Direct Care Council

Your Peers at Work for You!

As members of the council, we serve as part of Iowa CareGivers' (IC) governance and represent the voice of those in direct care. We offer valuable insight into first-hand experience and knowledge that guides the activities and decisions of the IC Board. We share concerns, identify solutions, and take steps to change the way that people think and talk about direct care. Our voices and your voices matter! Our role on the Council has given us many opportunities to make a difference in our personal and professional lives. Some of those opportunities include:

Share information about direct care and Iowa CareGivers with co-workers, employers, friends, and your community
Plan and help with our statewide IC conference
http://iowacaregivers.org/education/conference.php#.XOMJW00o46Y
Participate in IC programs and events
Participate in and promote “Caregiver Conversations” on social media
Serve on discussion panels
Speak and participate at public forums
Educate legislators and others about direct care
Give a presentation on direct care issues
Plan local small group discussions on direct care
Share the “Toughest Job You’ll Ever Love” video
Serve on committees related to direct care
Speak to newspapers and share issues in direct care
Submit a letter to the editor of a local newspaper
Contribute articles, poems, or letters to the IC HUB newsletter
http://iowacaregivers.org/hub-newsletter/index.php#.XOMJzE0o46Y
Attend a Day at the State Capitol
http://iowacaregivers.org/advocacy/direct_care_workforce_issues.php#.XOMJ7E0o46Y
Staff an exhibit table at an event
Volunteer at the IC Office
And many others…

Can You Say Revivification? We can’t either! But That’s What We Did.

20 Current, Former, New, and Potential Direct Care Council Members Participated in a Retreat to Revivify from the Past Two Years!!

Board member, Scott Hartsook, donated the lovely Thoreau Center http://www.thethoreaucenter.com/ to hold the meeting and board member, Deb Madison-Levi, donated the funds from her recent Facebook “National Ice Cream Day” fundraiser to help cover the costs of the retreat. It was a wonderful day of sharing caregiving thoughts and experiences… some joyful and some sad but all extremely meaningful!! Speakers, Ellen Folkers Jenkins and Julie Spicer, UCS Healthcare, shared information about mental health services sometimes needed to deal with the stress and grief associated with direct care. Participants then enjoyed a fun but informative presentation by Erik J. Dominguez, Motivational Speaker, Speak Up Stories. The takeaway from his presentation was the power in their caregiving stories. Special thanks to all who helped made this day possible, including Iowa CareGivers staff members Pam Biklen and Jerri Adkins. And with great gratitude to the 20 unbelievably strong, dedicated, and caring individuals who were able to attend.

We're there for you, our peers and IC and IC is there for all of us!

Council Members

Taking Applications

Iowa CareGivers is currently looking for those working in direct care from across the state and a variety of settings to serve on the council. If you or someone you know has a passion for the profession of direct care and a commitment to developing your leadership skills and taking on new roles, this opportunity may be for you! If you are interested in a position on the council, please complete the application below and return to Iowa CareGivers.

Click here for more information on joining the IC Direct Care Council.

Click here to complete the online application form.

If you have questions, contact pam.biklen@iowacaregivers.org.

2023 IC Direct Care Council

	Brenda Bowen Reinbeck, IA Northeast Region
	Ann Brighton Maynard, IA Northeast Region
	Sally Chapman Murray, IA Southwest Region
	Donna Cheers Arispe, IA Southwest Region
	Connie Cochran Leighton, IA Southeast Region
	Mabaene Kolotsane-Wren Des Moines, IA Central Region
	Karen Kubura Urbandale, IA Central Region
	Paula Luther State Center, IA Central Region
	Fran Mancl Hazel Green, WI Northeast Region
	Mary Perez Cedar Rapids, IA Northeast Region
	Cindy Ramer Denver, IA Northeast Region
	Derek Smith Oelwein, IA Northeast Region
	Katie Tenney Cedar Rapids, IA Northeast Region