Our Story
Established on June 14, 2006, Caregivers Outreach Ministry Empowerment Inc. (COME) was founded to champion the needs and challenges faced by older adults and their families. Recognizing the vital role of family members as primary responders to home crises, COME aims to uphold the dignity and quality of life of older adults within their communities.
In collaboration with AARP Peachtree Chapter 4997, led by President Josephine Collins, COME embarked on a mission to raise awareness about the demands of family caregivers. The inaugural caregiver recognition event took place at Co-op City's Dreiser Loop Community Center, honoring Jacqueline Cherry's caregiving devotion to her father. Since then, COME has celebrated over three hundred family caregivers during National Family Caregivers Month.
Through partnerships with community organizations, churches, and healthcare providers, COME has advocated for policy changes and facilitated health fairs, caregiver consultations, and expert panel discussions. This multifaceted approach has fostered greater recognition of the pivotal role and impact of family caregivers across communities, healthcare systems, and the nation.
Over time, COME evolved into Caregivers Outreach Mentorship Empowerment, Inc., becoming a cornerstone organization supporting family caregivers. It provides crucial assistance in navigating healthcare systems, addressing caregiver burnout, and promoting self-care practices.
In response to emerging needs, COME launched initiatives like the Youth Caregivers Initiative (YCI) SHARKS Program in 2015, aimed at supporting youth caregivers in the Bronx, NY. Subsequently, the Summer Youth Intergenerational Technology Program was established in 2016, offering seniors personalized technology training.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 prompted COME to innovate its outreach efforts, shifting its annual caregiver recognition program to virtual platforms and providing financial support to honorees facing economic challenges. Despite setbacks such as event cancellations, including the inaugural Youth Caregivers Symposium, COME persevered. Initiatives like the "Let's Talk" caregivers support Zoom sessions initiated in 2021 and monthly publications in the Co-op City Times in 2022 further strengthened its community impact.
COME's advocacy reached new heights with presentations at prominent conferences such as the NYSABPRL Conference, highlighting the challenges faced by family caregivers, particularly in communities of color. Looking ahead, COME remains committed to advocating for, supporting, and honoring caregivers of all ages, recognizing their unwavering dedication, commitment, and sacrifices. After all, caregivers too need caring.