Honoring Caregivers:
A Tribute to Those Who Make a Difference Every Day

In 2024, approximately 53 million family caregivers and over 2 million professional caregivers dedicated themselves to supporting others in the United States. Each year, on the third Friday of February, we honor their incredible contributions. This year, on February 21, 2025, National Caregivers Day reminds us of the essential role caregivers play in our society and the importance of showing appreciation for their dedication, compassion, and resilience.
Caregivers are the backbone of support for individuals facing illness, disability, or aging. From managing daily tasks like cooking and cleaning to administering medication and offering emotional support, caregivers profoundly impact the lives of those they serve. Whether they are family members, friends, or professionals, their tireless efforts often go unseen but remain invaluable.
For 34 years, Community Support Network (CSN) has had the opportunity to collaborate with extraordinary caregivers. From employees and client family members to home caregivers and beyond, these individuals provide critical care to the adults with developmental disabilities we serve. While caregiving is often a labor of love, it is also a demanding and selfless endeavor that deserves recognition and gratitude.
Because caregiving can take a physical and emotional toll, self-care is vital for maintaining well-being. Simple practices like taking short walks, journaling, or joining support groups can help caregivers recharge and build resilience.
To support caregivers, CSN launched its first Caregivers Expressive Writing Workshop in spring 2024, led by professionals Ellyn Zografi and Donna Anderson. This free, six-session program offers caregivers a space to reflect and process their experiences through writing. Guided by Ellyn and Donna’s personal caregiving expertise and compassion, participants engage in sessions that foster healing and self-expression.
One participant from the first workshop captured the program’s impact in a heartfelt poem:
Two seasoned and compassionate guides
carved out space and time to teach us as caregivers.
To pick up the pen and speak from our hearts,
to reflect by writing with expansive empathy for ourselves and those we care for.
Whenever I feel hopeless on this consuming and sometimes overwhelming journey,
I will use the tools and my writing to make myself whole again.
Thank you to Donna and Ellyn for being our guides on this path to healing.

This National Caregivers Day, let us celebrate and honor those who dedicate their time, energy, and love to caring for others. Whether providing care at home or working in professional settings, caregivers’ contributions are extraordinary and life-changing.
To all caregivers: thank you for your compassion, patience, and unwavering commitment. Your efforts are valued and appreciated more than words can express.
Are you a caregiver interested in future workshops? Stay connected by visiting our Upcoming Events page at VisitCSN.org and following us on social media for the latest updates. Our next workshop is coming this summer—don’t miss it! For questions, feel free to email us at Info@VisitCSN.org.
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