CAREgivers

01/08/2026

01/08/2026

Every three months on the first Wednesday of the month, we host a free guided painting class with Alex with AL Art for our family caregivers and care-grievers for stress relief and for a creative outlet! Stay tuned for our next one in April!

01/08/2026

Feeling Stretched as a Caregiver?

Powerful Tools for Caregivers is an educational series designed to provide you with the tools you need to take care of yourself.

This program helps family caregivers reduce stress, improve self-confidence, improve communication, balance their lives, increase their ability to make tough decisions, and locate helpful resources. The caregiver class consists of six sessions held once a week. Interactive lessons, discussions and brainstorming will help you take the “tools” you choose and put them into action for your life.

Participants will receive a book, The Caregiver Helpbook. The class and the book are free to participants.

Classes will be held in-person (AG East-Sioux Falls) or via Zoom
Thursdays, Feb. 5th – March 12th 1:30-3:00pm (CDT).

For more information or to register, contact Meghan Clark 605-333-3312 mclark@activegen.org. Class size is limited, and pre-registration is required.

01/07/2026

Happy New Year !
January 2026 is a busy month for Caregiver Support Services! We look forward to supporting you in whatever way works best for you- support groups, education classes or stress reduction!
Most of our classes and groups are available via Zoom! Don’t let distance or cold weather keep you from joining! 😊
If technology is tricky for you, you are not alone! Please contact us directly and we will be happy to walk you through how to connect.
All Caregiver Support Services are offered free to anyone residing or receiving treatment in South Dakota. RSVP required where highlighted.

Groups and Events Week of January 07 – January 10, 2026


Wednesday January 7
Parkinson’s Caregiver Support Group
Support Group for those caring for someone with Parkinson’s
First Wednesday of the month from 11:30-12:30pm
In person at Avera Orthopedic, Plaza 3 building
810 E 23rd St. 2nd Floor, corner conference room
Or virtually by Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89137623846

Art Group for Caregivers
Relax and unleash your creative side in this step-by-step painting class!
Active Gen East, Room 110
RSVP required to bpound@activegen.org or (605)275-7682

Savvy Caregiver Classes (flyer with descriptions attached)*
6 session training for unpaid caregivers of loved ones with dementia
Wednesday January 7- February 11th from 10am-noon (CST)
Active Generations Main Room 202 or via Zoom
Class is FREE and book is provided.
RSVP Required to cspurling@activegen.org or (605)333-3319
*Daybreak Adult Day Services provides free respite care for your loved one while you attend any Educational Class Series (Savvy or Powerful Tools for Caregivers) in person.

Thursday January 8
Cancer Caregiver Support Group
Support Group for caregivers of individuals with cancer of any type or stage
Second Thursday of the month, Noon-1pm – Lunch Provided with RSVP
In person at Touchmark at All Saints 111W. 17th St Sioux Falls- Heritage Room
Or virtually by Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86713042401
RSVP to Meghan Clark (605)333-3312 or mclark@activegen.org

Other ways we can help?
Contact us Monday – Friday 8am-5pm if we can assist you in any way at caregivers@activegen.org or 1-800-360-6161
Individual appointments available in person, phone or zoom call. Below is a sample of the topics we would be happy to assist with:
• Caregiver coaching and education
• Resource navigation
• Personalized care plans including crisis planning
• Emotional support
• Advanced care planning
• Respite planning

01/07/2026

Join us today at AG East!

Join us at AG East on Jan. 7th for a free guided painting class for unpaid family caregivers! Please RSVP!

12/31/2025

As 2026 approaches, so does the pressure of the "New You". We are here to remind you that the YOU you are today is more than enough. You sacrifice, give, and continue to serve from an empty cup. Your efforts do not go unnoticed or unappreciated. You may not receive the thanks you deserve as a caregiver, because much of the work you do is invisible labor. As you manage someone else's life (or lives) down to the finest of details, your needs are put on the back-burner. Just know that you are not alone. There is a community of others who understand the struggles you face. You can find the community here simply by calling us or emailing. We have free resources at your fingertips. We also understand that some of these tools can feel like "just another thing" - which is why most of our groups are accessible online as well as in person, and are offered at no cost. We are here to remind you that your needs are just as important as the people you serve. You matter and your voice deserves to be heard. Remember, if we are not caring for ourselves, it is difficult (at times impossible) to give our best care to others.

A couple of reminders:
• We are closed tomorrow for New Year’s Day but open today.
• There will be no support group tomorrow – it is moved to next Thursday at the same time and location. AG East 10am Front Conference Room Jan 8th
• We are closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Grief group will be moved to the following Monday at Main.
• Check out the art group flyer below and attached and make sure to sign up! Next Wednesday, free guided painting class which includes all materials! Open for grieving caregivers as well!

bpound@activegen.org
605-275-7682

12/29/2025

As 2026 approaches, so does the pressure of the "New You". We are here to remind you that the YOU you are today is more than enough. You sacrifice, give, and continue to serve from an empty cup. Your efforts do not go unnoticed or unappreciated. You may not receive the thanks you deserve as a caregiver, because much of the work you do is invisible labor. As you manage someone else's life (or lives) down to the finest of details, your needs are put on the back-burner. Just know that you are not alone. There is a community of others who understand the struggles you face. You can find the community here simply by calling us or emailing. We have free resources at your fingertips. We also understand that some of these tools can feel like "just another thing" - which is why most of our groups are accessible online as well as in person. We are here to remind you that your needs are just as important as the people around you. You matter and your voice deserves to be heard. Remember, if we are not caring for ourselves, it is difficult to give our best care to others.
bpound@activegen.org
605-275-7682

12/22/2025

Join us at AG East on Jan. 7th for a free guided painting class for unpaid family caregivers! Please RSVP!

12/22/2025

Happy Monday and holiday week!
Here is our calendar of events for January, 2026!

With the frenzy of the holiday season, it can be difficult to remember to care for yourself amongst the chaos.
We are hoping you are able to find some moments of peace as you carry the load of labor while caring for others.
As the new year is approaching, try not to add extra pressure to yourself. Give yourself permission to not have a new year’s resolution.
Let this year be one of less guilt with more rest and more recuperation. You have earned every ounce of rest you are able to take!
Reach out to learn more about Caregiver Services and how we can support you in creating more rest, peace, and intention.
You are not alone!

A couple of reminders:
• We are closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but open on Friday.
• There will be no support group this Wednesday.
• We are closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Grief group will be moved to the following Monday.

12/18/2025

Of Life - A poem for Caregivers by Erik Ondrejko

Of life, where moments unfold,

A symphony of care, a story to be told.

For every soul, in diverse need,

A caregiver’s touch, a selfless deed.

To the elderly, whose steps may slow,

A caregiver’s love, like a gentle flow.

In the twilight years, where memories linger,

Caregiver, you’re the compassionate bringer.

For those with illness, a chronic plight,

A caregiver’s strength, a guiding light.

Through trials faced and battles fought,

In your care, resilience is taught.

To individuals with disabilities, unique,

A caregiver’s support, a service so sleek.

In every challenge, every stride,

With you by their side, they find their guide.

In recovery’s embrace, post-surgery’s domain,

A caregiver’s comfort, a healing rain.

Through every ache and every sigh,

In your care, spirits begin to fly.

For the children with needs, special and bright,

A caregiver’s embrace, a source of light.

In laughter shared and dreams woven,

In your care, their world is proven.

To those facing trauma, a journey of pain,

A caregiver’s empathy, a shelter from the rain.

Through scars unseen and stories untold,

In your care, healing takes hold.

For those with minds in constant sway,

A caregiver’s patience, day by day.

In the maze of thoughts, where shadows linger,

Caregiver, you’re the understanding bringer.

In the final chapters, where life’s whispers fade,

A caregiver’s solace, a comforting shade.

For the journey’s end, where stars shimmer,

Caregiver, you’re the love’s last glimmer.

For every soul deserving care,

A caregiver’s heart, so pure and rare.

In the vast tapestry of humanity’s song,

You’re the melody that makes us strong.

12/15/2025

🕯️A candle is a small thing.
But one candle can light another.
And see how its own light increases,
as a candle gives its flame to the other.
You are such a light. 🕯️
— Moshe Davis

All Caregiver Support Services are offered free to anyone residing or receiving treatment in South Dakota. RSVP required where highlighted.

Groups and Events Week of December 15-December 20

Monday December 15
10:30-11:30am
Grief Support Group
In person at Active Generations Main
Via zoom at: https://zoom.us/j/93647549518

Tuesday December 16
1:30-2:30pm
Ornaments in Remembrance with AseraCare Hospice
The holidays can be difficult if you have lost a loved one. Join us for a discussion of grief over the holidays while creating Christmas ornaments in honor of loved ones
In person only at Active Generations Main
RSVP by calling (605)336-6722 (option 3) or email caregivers@activegen.org

Wednesday December 17
12:30-2:30pm
Parkinson’s Support Group Holiday Celebration
Open to all individuals with PD and their caregivers
In person only at Frontier Climbing and Fitness
Join us for a catered meal and learn more about the Parkinson’s Climbing program- Upending Parkinson’s (free climbing passes available for those interested)
For more information or to RSVP contact mclark@activegen.org or (605)333-3312

Thursday December 18
10-11am
Memory Caregiver Support Group
Open to anyone providing care for a loved one regardless of diagnosis
In person at Active Generations Main
Via zoom at: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88295945296

Contact us Monday – Friday 8am-5pm if we can assist you in any way at caregivers@activegen.org or 1-800-360-6161
Individual appointments available. Below is a sample of the topics we would be happy to assist with:
• Caregiver coaching and education
• Resource navigation
• Personalized care plans including crisis planning
• Emotional support
• Advanced care planning
• Respite planning