Are you currently caring for a family member or spouse? Drop by the cafe to share your insights with Jackie, Jeff, and friends.

   Sundays at the Cafe are always special. It's the day that our friends drop by with their children, on their way to the beach or a baseball game.  It's the day that giggles and smiles abound as older siblings help younger ones choose their favorite cookies and treats. 

But this Sunday was uniquely special because Brian Finn, Assistant Vice President of MetDESK, MetLife's Division of Estate Planning for Special Kids, stopped by to announce the roll out of educational workshops, available across the U.S. for people who have a sibling with disabilities.  As Brian explained:

"These free workshops, conducted by MetDESK specialists and other experts from numerous fields, are designed to help a brother or sister be a key ongoing member of a support group, ranging from early childhood through adulthood, when parents may no longer be able to fulfill the primary caregiving role."

Brian continued:  "Parents of a child with disabilities understandably take the lead caregiver role, but ideally all family members should participate, especially siblings, as children with disabilities grow into mature adults.  Over the years, a sibling can evolve from friend and role model to a guardian or caregiver, or both, and we want to help make that transition as easy and well thought-out as possible."

We applaud MetDESK's new sibling workshops as they will surely educate family members about lifetime care and quality of life issues for loved ones.  We encourage you to visit MetDESK and learn about the many ways they can assist you and your loved ones.  Caringly, Jackie, Jeff & Friends