Hope for the Caregiver

Our First Syndicated Show

On September 17, 2017, our radio show becames the first syndicated radio show for family caregivers!  Sponsored by Medi-Share and syndicated on the Truth Network, we broadcast on 13 stations in five states!

For More information visit www.caregiverswithhope.com 

A Prisoner ....and Yet

Since 2011, numerous inmates at a local correctional facility have volunteered to help us with our prosthetic limb recycling program. I recently took a few hours to meet with some of the newer men working there, and listened to their journeys.  Once qualifying for this unique program hosted by Core-Civic (formerly known as Corrections Corporation of America.), these men disassemble used limbs donated from all over the country, in order to recycle all the usable parts (feet, pylons, knees, connectors, adapters, and even screws).

Tom* serves as the current team leader in the shop.  His time there is nearly over and he feels ready to rebuild his life outside of prison.  In a powerful intersection of Standing With Hope’s prosthetic limb and caregiver outreaches, Tom shared about his wife, who was an amputee, and how he served as her caregiver for many years.  As you can imagine, his story connected with me.

Several years ago, Tom’s wife’s health declined significantly and Tom’s own health deteriorated, as well.  He medicated his stress with substance abuse; taking him into dark places.  When she passed away, Tom spiraled out of control and made choices that landed him in prison. “Peter, the stress I felt as a caregiver took me down.  I simply couldn’t handle it,” he stated frankly. Clean and sober, Tom has a new outlook on life.  Sitting quietly in the shop, surrounded by a table full of prosthetics in various stages of deconstruction. Tom added, “While I don’t like being locked up, I am grateful I’m here.” “If I weren’t here, I’d have crawled into a bottle and would be dead today. I was that self-destructive.”

A Prisoner ...and Yet

When Tom arrived in prison, he heard about Standing With Hope’s limb recycling program, and knew it fit him perfectly. His release date is soon; one of his first tasks when he is out is to donate his wife’s prosthetic limb to our program. While Tom’s journey includes harsh experiences, he continues to face life with courage, along with a conviction that he is in a better place—even while in prison. Although incarcerated, Tom emanates a freedom that seems to elude so many who’ve never even seen the inside of a correctional facility. After praying together, I drove home from the prison with a sense of awe at the amazing, redemptive work of Christ—manifested in a workshop buried in the center of a prison.

For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are prisoners. Psalm 69:33 ESV

Resin and Supplies

Periodically, large amounts of acrylic resin with a harder (catalyst) require purchasing, in order for the technicians to make quality prosthetic sockets for each patient.  We recycle so many parts of a prosthetic legs, but we must purchase resin.    Not only do we have to purchase it, but we need to ship it, along with the parts we recycle. Because the resin is a hazardous material, it’s expensive to ship. The immediate need for purchasing and shipping the resin, along with the parts through our inmate recycling program:  $6,500 .  Click here to donate towards this expense.

Our Mission

Both the prosthetic limb outreach AND the radio show for caregivers, reflect our desire to model 2 Corinthians 1:3-4,

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

*Permission was granted to use name, story, and photos

The SEVENTH of 7 Caregiver Landmines

Finishing a series on the 7 Caregiver Landmines, we review the prior six, and then talked about #7 which is the mindset that "It's all up to us!"

It's not all up to us, and we need help.  We may not think help is available, but it's often not a lack of resources ...but lack of resourcefulness.  Also, if we have to admit that we can't do this, and raise our hands and ask for help. 

Speaking of help, it's available right now at caregiverswithhope.com/resources 

Standing With Hope is the presenting sponsor of the show, and for a tax-deductible donation of any amount, we will send you a free E_Version of the book 7 CAREGIVER LANDMINES ...And How You Can Avoid Them.

Click here for more. 

David Fox Interview

David Fox joined us 7/19/15 & discussed his candidacy for Nashville’s mayor. Relating how caregiving touched his own family, David also shared his vision for Nashville.

ABOUT THE SHOW

The experience and wisdom Peter Rosenberger has gleaned as a caregiver for three decades gives him an astonishing understanding of health care issues facing millions of people. But more than that, Peter has unmatched empathy for the deep heartache faced by his fellow caregivers …that causes even the strongest to falter.

He has spoken/performed at hundreds of events including disability conferences, churches, conventions, association meetings, service organizations.

Catering his message to each audience he works with, Peter offer benefits to two groups of people: caregivers and other people who are in position to help a caregiver.

In addition to speaking to counselors, physicians, pastors, social workers, financial planners, and many other groups, Peter also brings a strong understanding of the need of today’s employers as they come to grips with a vast population of working caregivers. Weaving insights gathered from a lifetime of caregiving, Peter extends a lifeline of practical help to not only those caring for vulnerable loved ones, but also to the ones who seek to connect their products, services, and/or support to caregivers. 

Get the book today for a caregiver you know:  HOPE FOR THE CAREGIVER

For more information, visit standingwithhope.com 

The Peter Rosenberger Show

In his weekly radio show, Peter delves into the challenging issues faced by caregivers.  From the practical to the spiritual, Peter helps caregivers identify “what help looks like,” while also providing them with the vocabulary and encouragement to ask for that help.

Drawing upon his astonishing understanding of health care issues, a deep compassion for the heartache of caregiving, and his vast experience as a caregiver,  Peter empowers fellow caregivers to take charge of their own, finances, and emotional state —regardless of the circumstances of their loved ones.

Knowing the emotional toll of serving as a caregiver, Peter’s outrageous humor brings the fresh air of laughter into the painful places faced by America’s caregiving  population. Listeners leave each show feeling stronger, calmer, and better equipped to face the daily difficulties of caring for vulnerable loved ones.

Click here to Listen on your phone/tablet  Live EACH SUNDAY AT 3 PM CST on 1510 WLAC (Nashville) or world-wide on IHEART Radio.  Call in live 800- 688-WLAC (9522)

Dorcas and Standing With Hope

A scorpion sting cost Dorcas her foot, but for years, Standing With Hope has helped make it possible for her to not only walk, but run, play, and attend school. 

This is what we do ...and we invite you to help us reach more girls and boys like Dorcas with the gift that keeps on walking.

Get A Leg Up On Someone!

Standing With Hope is a non-profit evangelical outreach committed to equipping others to stand with hope in their Christian faith. We have two primary outreaches—both based upon the personal journey of our founders: Peter and Gracie Rosenberger

Prosthetic Limb Outreach:

The prosthetic limb outreach was born from Gracie's experience as a double-amputee.  Gracie relinquished her limbs in the 1990's as a result of devastating injuries suffered in a 1983 car accident.  The purpose of this outreach is to train and equip local workers in the West African country of Ghana to build and maintain quality prosthetic limbs for their own people.  READ MORE

Learn the story behind this extraordinary ministry.