For Lise Grace, Assistant Director of CJFS CARES respite program, the work is personal. When she first joined CJFS, she was quietly navigating one of the most challenging chapters of her life: her husband Dan was living with early-onset Alzheimer’s.
“Before Dan’s diagnosis, his personality changed drastically,” Lise shares. “He became paranoid and verbally abusive, and we didn’t understand why — he was only 56. Once he was diagnosed several years later, my anger and hurt morphed into sympathy and concern but caregiving was still monumental.”
A seasoned caregiver offered Lise two pieces of advice that changed her life: join a support group and keep working. She did both. “Not everyone can work while caregiving, but I was lucky. When I couldn’t practice law anymore due to the demands of caregiving, I became CJFS’s Volunteer Coordinator and then Assistant Program Director at CARES.”
Nine years after Dan’s passing, Lise can’t imagine being anywhere else. She says, “There are numerous reasons. Our CARES participants are lovable and joyful, and their caregivers are amazing. Our volunteers are invaluable and there would be no CARES without them. And finally, my friendship with Pam, CARES Program Director, is one of my most meaningful ever.”
Her best advice for caregivers today? “Practice self-care and give yourself grace. When you feel like you’ve lost your patience or aren’t doing enough—just know that you’re doing your best. And that’s enough.”
If you would like to learn more about the CJFS CARES Respite Program, contact Program Director, Pam Leonard, at 205-879-3438 or pam@cjfsbham.org
