President- Tyler Partridge

  My passion to serve caregivers and care-receivers began in 2013. My grandparents moved in with my family as their health was progressing.  It did not take long before more holistic care was required from myself, my mother, and my father. Over the next 6 years I learned how lucky many of us are to use the bathroom whenever we want; to get up and get a glass of water at our leisure; and to get dressed quickly and without mentally preparing beforehand.  I learned that  these activities, which are common for most of us, are a blessing and gift that can change within the blink of an eye, and some people never get to experience at all. I am fortunate enough that I was able to spend far more quality time than most with both of my grandparents before they passed.

In between all of this, I graduated high school and went to college. However, my time in college made it quite evident that my experiences with my grandparents were not meant to be isolated. I met a now lifelong friend who lives with Static Cerebral Palsy. This ailment forces him to live wheelchair bound. Though he handles his disability better than anyone I have ever met, this means he also needs care in many of the same ways that my grandparents did. With this experience, it was not long until I became one of many people who God pulled together to help take care of his needs. I am still fortunate today to be able to be a part of his care-giving team.

So why do I share this anecdotal part of my life story? Because over my time helping take care of both my grandparents and my friend, I saw the natural struggles that arose from a life of caregiving and care-receiving: money is a struggle.; a social life is very difficult, if not impossible; healthy eating is almost immediately out of the question; mental and emotional health get pushed to the wayside; applying for benefits and going to appointments are entire day events; and so much more. Living through this and seeing other people in many of the same situations, quickly burdened my heart, and the rest of this board, to do something about it. So, in August of 2022, The Bearing Together Project was born.

I am thankful to be able to serve in this capacity. Though the title "President" often comes with authority, here at The Bearing Together Project,  we believe the best leadership is one of service. My hope and prayer for this organization, the actions we take, and the people we help, is that we would be faithful, transparent, disciplined, and compassionate in everything we do.  With every step we take following these principles we will be helping as many people as possible in the best way possible, faithfully.