Make a difference this winter by giving caregivers a break

Respite Education and Support Tools, a nationally recognized nonprofit program of Marklund, will offer four training sessions this winter season for individuals that would like to become respite program trainers:

• Jan. 15-16, at El Valor-Guadalupe Reyes Center, 1951 W. 19th St., Chicago.

• Feb. 5-6, at Alexian Brothers Hospital, 1555 Barrington Road, Building 1, Hoffman Estates.

• Feb. 26-27, at Windsor Park Retirement Community, Carol Stream.

• March 5-6, also at Windsor Park Retirement Community.

The two-day interactive Train-the-Trainer program equips and prepares individuals to teach an eight-hour volunteer respite training class in their own communities. Settings can include churches, universities, community groups and other organizations that wish to create a network of skilled volunteer respite care workers. Attendees that complete the training can receive 6.75 continuing education hours through the Illinois Department of Human Services.

"You can multiply your impact by becoming a REST program trainer," says Lois Sheaffer, REST program director. "With each class you teach, you empower individuals to become confident and successful REST volunteer workers. They, in turn, allow caregivers the opportunity to step away for a break and return to their caregiving role recharged and refreshed."

The REST Train-the-Trainer program can be customized to reflect an organization's vision and needs. In addition, all REST training materials are available in English as well as in Spanish for bilingual trainers.

For information on REST, contact Wendy Berk, program coordinator, at (630) 397-5659 or wberk@restprogram.org or visit www.restprogram.org.