Empowering Caregivers and Families
Time spent caregiving can lead to the loss of income/jobs and exact a substantial physical and emotional toll. In response to the need, Yellow Ribbon Fund developed the Keystone Program. The care and love of a military caregiver is invaluable and unending, but its emotional and financial cost is profound. It is imperative to support military caregivers, as these military caregivers serve as their family’s keystone, the apex of an arch enabling the foundation to bear its weight. Without a supportive structure in place, our Nation’s heroes could not prevail in the operative and postoperative rehabilitation process and successfully transition into civilian life.
Whether committing to life-long treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and relocating to Bethesda, Maryland, or returning home to continue treatment at the local VA medical center, service members and their families can be assured Yellow Ribbon Fund will provide a pipeline of sanctuary and support to both our nation’s heroes and military caregivers. The Keystone Program provides transitional services and training to caregivers, at any point in their journey: health and wellness education and events; life skills development and educational opportunities; family retreats; peer-to-peer support and networking.
Here’s how our Keystone Program supports military caregivers.
Our Keystone Program provides valuable resources
Through our Keystone Program, we offer a foundation of resources for military caregivers. Often, their own needs are set aside as they manage families, careers, and finances, and the daily medical journey of their service member.
Yellow Ribbon Fund’s Keystone Program provides military caregivers with a foundation rooted in three core keys:
- Financial Wellness Resources
- Health & Wellness
- Respite
- Family Disney Trips
- Family Wellness Retreat
- Education
The supportive structure of a caregiver is essential to our wounded, ill and injured service members during their recovery and successful transition into civilian life. Yellow Ribbon Fund provides transitional services and training for caregivers and their families, at any point throughout their journey.
Health & Wellness
The Keystone Program provides fun, interactive events and activities for mental breaks, fitness and wellness classes to keep caregivers healthy and recharged, and fellowship with other caregivers so they know they are not alone in their journeys. Health and wellness opportunities include:
- Enrichment classes: healthy cooking, exercise & fitness
- Peer-to-peer support
- Monthly activities for self-care and camaraderie
Respite
We provide a supportive network and “home base” for families and caregivers through our Keystone Chapters nationwide and National Virtual Chapter. The Keystone Program provides a variety of ways to stay connected for caregivers and family members, such as:
- Fellowship and encouragement of other caregivers
- Virtual and live events
- Supportive network and resources
- Caregiver and family retreats
“It’s nice to have the option to go out and do things with other caregivers that get it and can relate to what I’m doing on a daily basis.”
Brittany
Yellow Ribbon Fund Caregiver
“My positive experience with Yellow Ribbon Fund’s Keystone Program has been life-changing, and it has made our lives better and healthier.”
Ann
Yellow Ribbon Fund Caregiver
“I would like to let you know what a treasure and lifeline Yellow Ribbon Fund’s Keystone Caregiver group has been for me. It was vital for me to have other women who could relate to what I’m going through as a combat veteran caregiver."
Elizabeth B
Yellow Ribbon Fund Caregiver
Connect with Keystone. We’re growing!
Join a Yellow Ribbon Fund chapter to participate in any of these offerings.
We have Keystone Groups in the following regions:
Eastern US
- DMV Area (DC, MD, VA)
- Tampa, FL
- South FL
- Jacksonville, NC
- Fayetteville, NC
Western US
National Virtual Chapter
Our National Virtual Chapter is available to caregivers throughout the country and especially for those who do not live near a local chapter.
