SHERBURN — Caregiver Response Effort and Service Team (CREST) of Martin County recognizes a caregiver’s work and the importance of supporting them. For the first time in two years, CREST is re-introducing the Toolbox for Caregivers program, which will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. each Thursday in April at the Sinn Family Celebration of Life Center in Sherburn.

CREST Caregiver Support Services Director Joyce Peterson said she’s happy to offer the program again.

“It’s good to get back into it and be able to offer up some information for these caregivers,” said said. “[It’s] a method of taking care of our caregivers. That’s one of our main goals: to take care of the caregivers. Our care partners are taken care of by the caregivers, of course. So, who’s left taking care of the caregiver? You have to train them to take care of themselves. They very often don’t. They’re so busy taking care of their care receiver that they don’t take care of themselves.”

During the program, Toolbox for Caregivers will help caregivers reduce stress, regulate difficult emotions and strengthen communication.

“We’ve had caregiver support groups for many years. Toolbox for Caregivers came as a result of those support groups. We wanted to condense it and give it as a class. That way, not only did we pick up new people, but we were able to educate our own support group people in the same process,” Peterson said.

She added that a supported caregiver also promotes a more adequate life for both caregiver and care-receiver.

“If your caregiver is in better shape, happier, they’re going to take care of their care receiver better. It’s just going to result in a whole better relationship between the two of them and better care for the care receiver or care partner, as we like to call them,” Peterson explained.

The hope is that with the Toolbox for Caregivers and support groups, CREST may help alleviate caregivers’ struggles and help them cope and manage them and ultimately make steps towards a happier, healthier lifestyle.

“Anything we can do to help them de-stress is good, and just give them a little hope that maybe life can be better than what they’re experiencing right now. That we can help change some things, suggest a few things that might help them along the way. We’d love to get people to come to our support groups if they’re struggling with things. I know that it’s a hard pill to swallow when you have to admit that you need help. But you’re not in this battle alone, and you really don’t have to do it by yourself,” Peterson said. “There are a lot of people who can help you who are in similar situations. It’s really much better to work as a unit rather than all by yourself.”

The plan is for CREST to have the Toolbox for Caregivers again in the future in other towns.

There are no qualifications to enroll in the Toolbox for Caregivers program. People from all walks of life, caregivers or non-caregivers looking for knowledge in corresponding situations are encouraged to attend, according to Peterson.

The suggested donation amount is $10, which will cover program material expenses. Individuals interested in attending are encouraged to register by Tuesday, March 31. The Sinn Family Celebration of Life Center in Sherburn is located at 212 North Prairie Street. For additional information regarding the Toolbox for Caregivers program, contact CREST at (507) 235-3833.