Penn State to unveil a new Employee Resource Group for caregivers
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A fourth University-wide Employee Resource Group (ERG) will be unveiled during National Family Caregivers Month this November. The new ERG, Penn State Cares, will be dedicated to fostering a sense of community and providing resources for all Penn State employees who are navigating the challenges of caregiving.
The unveiling event for Penn State Cares will take place at 1 p.m. on Nov. 20 at 233AB in the HUB Robeson Cultural Center on the University Park campus. Attendees will meet ERG members who are fellow caregivers, learn more about the ERG’s mission, and get to connect with several Penn State, government and community organizations who will share resources for caregivers, including Penn State Extension, Penn State Human Resources, Penn State Department of Psychology’s Friendship Group program, In Home Services of Central PA, the Autism Services, Education, Resources and Training (ASERT) collaborative, the Adults Creating Residential and Employment Solutions (ACRES) project, Vital Wellness and Adult Children of Aging Parents. Light refreshments will be provided. RSVP for the unveiling is requested via this form but walk-ins are welcome.
Penn State Cares aims to support the many Penn State employees who are caregivers for other individuals in their lives, including family members such as elders or children of any age who are unwell, or have special needs or disabilities. The ERG’s vision includes creating a workplace where caregivers can support each other, use and expand existing university resources, and enable employees, who are caregivers, to thrive and grow.
Teresa McCloskey, unit coordinator overseeing University Police and Public Safety’s Student Auxiliary Officer program at University Park, wanted to connect with other employees who were raising, or had raised special needs children. She organized a community under the name “Parenting Outside the Lions” and the group began meeting biweekly earlier this spring. “One of our main aims was to create a supportive environment to connect, share information, and foster resilience,” said McCloskey. “Our regular meetings provided peer-to-peer support and empowered members through insights from invited experts sharing caregiving tips resources, and by amplifying existing Penn State and community resources.”
Renee Pusey, talent management and professional development coordinator at Penn State Extension wanted to connect with other individuals who were in similar situations caring for elderly family members. The group she brought together identifies in Viva Engage as “We Care for the Aging,” and currently has a membership of close to 100 employees. “We offer support to each other and hope to increase the wellbeing of members.” said Pusey. “By sharing resources within the community and the University, we can help the members feel less isolated during challenging times.”
The Penn State Cares ERG brings these two groups together under the umbrella of supporting and empowering caregivers and will be co-led by McCloskey and Pusey.
Jennifer Wilkes, vice president for Human Resources and chief human resources officer, will serve as the executive sponsor for Penn State Cares.
"Estimates show that nearly three quarters of employees nationally have some level of caregiving responsibilities," said Wilkes. "This new ERG will be a great resource for our Penn State employees who are caregivers -- to lean on one another, provide encouragement and support, and share knowledge and resources to help those in similar situations.”
Nalini Krishnankutty, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging program manager for Penn State Human Resources, points to the steady growth of existing university-wide ERGs and their increased ability to make an impact. “Penn State Cares continues the legacy of existing ERGs Rainbow Roar, Vet-aLIONce and SustainaLions, in supporting employee wellbeing and success,” Krishnankutty said. “ERGs can play an instrumental role in achieving all six of President Neeli Bendapudi’s goals — from enhancing student success to serving our land-grant mission, achieving research excellence and more.”
ERGs, are voluntary, employee-led groups formed around common identities, backgrounds or interests, are open to all Penn State staff and faculty at all campus locations and help promote community and belonging. Employees interested in joining or learning how they can be part of developing and shaping the Penn State Cares ERG, can email [email protected].