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The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM) is proud to share how grant dollars are making a real difference for caregivers across our region. Through support from the Statewide Caregiver Resource Grant administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), we’ve been able to launch new initiatives, expand trusted partnerships, and make caregiver resources more accessible for our region.  

This investment strengthens our full network of services, ensuring caregivers of all backgrounds can find the help they need, when they need it.

Caregiver Training Center

In January 2025, AAAWM announced the opening of our Caregiver Training Center in a partnership with Michigan State University’s IMPART Alliance, a statewide leader in direct care workforce education. What was once an underutilized space at the agency turned into a resource hub that supports caregiver learning and peer connection, regular Direct Care Worker trainings, and caregiver workshops open to the community, covering safety, wellness, home care skills, and more. The training center also serves as a gateway to our broader service offerings, where West Michigan caregivers can engage with programs such as our Person-Centered Options Counseling, Caregiver Resource Network, and Dementia Friends, all designed to support caregivers long after a workshop ends.

New Supports & Programs

Through a combination of virtual and in-person learning opportunities, 165 caregivers throughout the region participated in new learning opportunities tailored to their needs, schedules, comfort levels, and interests.  

• Mindfulness Series (6 weeks): attendees participated in activities to enhance their well-being, including meditation and stress reduction tactics.
• Hands-On Skills Series (12 weeks): practical home care techniques and problem-solving.
• Dementia Caregiving Series (July 2024 - June 2025): Caregivers were connected to valuable information about dementia and received a care package filled with resources.

AAAWM also expanded access to a monthly virtual support group to provide a comfortable and supportive space for caregivers. Alongside this support, in a partnership with Help Texts, AAAWM was able to connect 61 caregivers with virtual, individualized mental health support from a professional via text message.

These new programs complement and go alongside AAAWM’s year-round services to ensure caregivers have a trusted place to turn for both immediate and long-term support.

Caregiver Resource Displays

Through a collaboration with Home Repair Services, local volunteers handcrafted resource displays that bring caregiver information directly into community spaces. These displays feature materials on Caregiver Education & Support, Person-Centered Options Counseling, Dementia Friends Michigan, Elder Abuse Prevention, Engaging Wellness, and more.

Currently, 10 community organizations across Ionia, Kent, Mecosta, Montcalm, and Osceola counties are featuring caregiver resources at their organization via the new Caregiver Resource Displays, making it easier for caregivers to discover the full range of resources available throughout our network.

Caregiver Supplemental Program

Grant funds also expanded our Caregiver Supplemental Program, which is a program that provides practical goods and services that support safety and independence at home and complement the care provided by caregivers in response to unmet needs. This year, 22 caregivers across Allegan, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, and Newaygo counties received assistance. Projects included ramps, home repairs, bathroom modifications, and other essential supports. These projects complement AAAWM’s collaborations with trusted local partners in home repair, accessibility, and safety—helping caregivers maintain safe and stable environments for the loved ones they support. See the images below to view this work in action across our community!    

Supporting Caregivers Across Our Region

Caregiving is meaningful work that comes with real challenges. Our goal is to make sure caregivers feel empowered, informed, and supported. Thanks to this grant, we’ve been able to strengthen our community partnerships, reach more caregivers, and expand the accessibility of our programs across our nine-county region.

If you or someone you know could benefit from caregiver support, we’re here to help! Visit www.aaawm.org or connect with our team to learn more.