Life, for many of us in the High Country, is centered upon family and community. There is an element of compassion found here that is unique to this area -- a trait easily noted through the work of the High Country Caregiver Foundation.

Since 2007, the non-profit organization has helped ease the load of family caregivers in Avery and Watauga counties.

"We believe that when caregivers use respite and other support services, they are better able to preserve quality in their own lives and enhance overall family life," said Brenda Reece, family caregiver support specialist with Area Agency on Aging.

"From time to time, families with caregiving responsibilities need opportunities for a break from caring for their loved one. The HCC F is here to help those individuals find and finance respite opportunities so they have time to relax and rejuvenate," Reece said. "Respite can take many forms, but it comes down to two basic ideas -- sharing the responsibility for caregiving and getting support for yourself."

Finding the right balance requires persistence, patience, and preparation," she said. "Using respite care before you become exhausted, isolated or overwhelmed is ideal -- and just anticipating regular relief can become a lifesaver."

 The mission of HCCF is simple. "We are here to increase awareness of caregiving issues and to improve the quality of life for caregivers and those they care for," Reece said. "We are here to advocate for them, provide them with information and educational opportunities they might not have otherwise, including support groups."

The HCCF also makes referrals and offers resources to help clients obtain services that they might not realize are available. "Often, the biggest need caregivers have is for physical rest and emotional support," she said.

Through a respite voucher system used by the HCCF -- and made possible by a strong partnership with other local agencies -- family caregivers are given a break from their heavy load. Vouchers may be used for payment for services offered through partnering vendors, which include most of the area's healthcare agencies.

The caregiver receiving the voucher chooses his or her vendor (from partnering agencies) and organizes services with that vendor, which will in turn invoice the foundation, which covers the cost.

"HCCF places primary emphasis on organizing community support and involvement in its programming and regards partnering as a key to its success," said Reece. "We realize the importance of collaborating with other agencies and organizations to better serve our community. Without these partnerships and that of High Country Council of Governments -- which provides staff and administrative services for the program -- none of the foundation's efforts would be possible."

It's through the fundraising efforts of HCCF, a volunteer organization, that caregivers are provided with small grants to fund respite care.

"We award grants up to $500 per recipient, per calendar year," said Reece. "Priority is given to families who have financial need and are neither eligible nor receiving respite services from another organization or agency."

To date, the HCCF has given out more than 200 vouchers in the two counties.

"The support of our partners -- and the generosity of our community -- allows HCCF to distribute 100 percent of donations to local caregivers," she said.

In addition to the voucher program, the HCCF offers a variety of programs and services to family caregivers including the High Country Relatives as Parents Program, monthly caregiver support groups, annual caregiver appreciation events, National Healthcare Decisions Day and candlelight reflections. Additionally, educational workshops and information, assistance and referral services are made available, especially through partnering agencies of the Adult Services Coalition of Watauga County. Current HCCF board members are Carol Berns, president, Ellen Harrell, vice-president, Kay Decherd, secretary, Julie Getty, treasurer; Mary Blalock, Linda Bretz, Carol Smith, Elizabeth Young, Carol Schaffer, Carol Berns, Patty Wheeler, Garrick Smith, Gigi Barker, Linda "Bunny" Eilers, Billy Hoilman and Jackie Roberts. Advisory Board: Sheriff L.D. Hagaman, Rebecca Eggers, R.D. Daniels, Kelly Redmond, Sherrie Norris, Lindsay Miller.  For more information, or to make a donation, call Brenda Reece at (828) 265-5434 or visit http://www.highcountrycaregiverfoundation.org.  Fundraising -- A Necessary Element The HCCF will host its seventh annual fundraising auction from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Sat. Aug. 4, at the Best Western in Banner Elk. Along with the ever-popular Trivia Night that the HCCF hosts twice a year, the auction raises a substantial amount of money to keep the program alive. "Everyone loves to have fun, and most everyone enjoys auctions, good food and fellowship," Reece said. "It's a winning combination," she said. "We can just about promise that everyone who attends will have a good time -- and can leave with fabulous auction items." But, Reece said, "It's the reason behind the event that means so much to our foundation. We want everyone to know that the funds raised at Saturday's event will help many families in the High Country." The event is free and open to the public and will include live and silent auctions and raffle with food and entertainment available. Evergreens Restaurant and Lounge will donate 20 percent of its evening's proceeds to the HCCF. Among the auction items are tickets to area attractions such as The Barter Theatre, Mystery Hill, Tweetsie Railroad and Dollywood; a one-night stay at Harrah's Casino in Cherokee along with dinner for two at Paula Dean's Restaurant; gift certificates for fine dining at area restaurants; lodging in Charleston and Myrtle Beach, a stunning, one of a kind, hand-crafted jewelry armoire, tennis and golf lessons, handcrafted art; Nascar collectibles, shrubbery, pottery, jewelry, housewares, gift baskets, and more. Area healthcare providers and event sponsors will be in attendance to meet caregivers and answer questions about their services. All donations and proceeds will support family caregivers in Avery and Watauga counties. For more information, or to make a donation, contact Brenda Reece (828) 265-5434, ext. 128 or (breece@regiond.org)