CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Each month at Weeping Willow AME Zion Church in Charlotte, there’s a special kind of fellowship.
“They feel welcome," Venitra White-Dean said. "They feel like someone really cares and that someone is here that knows exactly what they’re going through."
It’s a village of caregivers coming together for support.
“In two and a half years we’ve gone from 13 people to [now] we are averaging about 90-95 people on the last Saturday of the month,” White-Dean told WCNC Charlotte's Nick Sturdivant.
A few years ago, White-Dean started the Frankie Mae Foundation, helping create this village of support.
She said the inspiration behind helping family caregivers was her mother’s nearly 10-year journey with Alzheimer’s Disease.
“When she passed away, I had to figure out what I wanted to do to number one, keep her memory alive and then to also help other family caregivers,” White-Dean said.
Since its inception, it has grown into monthly meetups, connecting people with different resources, and a free store for caregivers to get supplies for their loved ones.
Letisha Duncan takes care of her dad, who has Alzheimer’s.
“It took a weight off my shoulders," Duncan said. "Because even in that [initial] conversation [with White-Dean], I was able to locate a day center for my dad. So, everything just went so fast."
Freda Grant is also a caregiver. Her mom has dementia.
“Venitra gives us every resource — one time they had people come for your mental health," Grant said. "Well, I said 'I don’t need anyone for my mental health. I’m good.' The other caregivers say I go there.
Both women said they have a lot on their plates, but that their load has gotten lighter since connecting with the foundation.
“Coming here I have met people that we exchange numbers. We meet up outside of this organization so it’s a plus, but it can still be challenging at times,” Duncan said.
Recent numbers from AARP show that 67% of family caregivers are having a tough time balancing their jobs with caregiving duties.
AARP’s report also shows that 27% of working caregivers have shifted from full-time to part-time work or have reduced hours.
“Even though you think you don’t need it, sometimes you don’t know what you need until it’s there,” Duncan shared.
As for White-Dean, she said the work the organization does doesn’t just benefit the people they help.
“It’s just as therapeutic for me as it is for them because I just love being around them,” she said.
WCNC Charlotte is committed to reporting on the many issues facing the communities we serve. We tell the stories of people working to solve persistent social problems. We examine how problems can be solved or addressed to improve the quality of life and make a positive difference. WCNC Charlotte is seeking solutions for you. Send your tips or questions to newstips@wcnc.com.
Contact Nick Sturdivant at nsturdiva1@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.