River City 6: Ellen Bennett
Ellen Bennett is the Respite Coordinator for the Eastern Region (Douglas and Sarpy Counties) of the Nebraska Lifespan Respite Network (nrrs.ne.gov/respitesearch), working with local agencies, businesses and organizations to connect area residents with respite care providers and resources.
Tell us a little about your organization. – We help caregivers of those with special needs or disabilities (across the lifespan) locate Respite Providers as well as connecting them with possible funding sources. We also recruit, screen and assist in training for the Respite Providers.
How did you get started in the organization? – I saw that family caregivers were really wearing themselves out and when I heard about this thing called Respite, which would allow them to take a much-needed break, I was very excited to be part of it. Helping out those families is a great feeling.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Many times the family caregiver doesn’t think of him/herself as a “caregiver” – they say to me “Well, I am just his mom, wife, sister, aunt….” Helping those caregivers to realize that this is the role they are playing can be challenging and eye-opening. Once that is reached they are more accepting of the help that a Respite Provider can give.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – I really enjoy getting feedback from family caregivers who we have assisted in finding Respite. While taking a break seems like the simplest thing, sometimes for the caregiver it feels like it is impossible to do. We are here to encourage the caregiver to do just that—take a break. When we hear back from those caregivers that they are able to do that, it makes me smile.
Tell us a little about your family. – I have been married to my super husband Tim for 32 years and we have three children: Ryan, Noah and Gillian. This fall we will have all three children in college so that will be a new experience. We also have a 12 year old Shih Tzu Poodle mix named Buddy who makes us laugh daily.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I love to read, hang out with friends and family, and photography—I enjoy taking pictures of nature.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I took a ground school class before children and I would love to complete that course and get my pilot’s license. It’s definitely a future goal.
What are you the most proud of? – My family, they are such a great bunch of unique individuals.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Fun-loving.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – I am passionate about any organization that helps animals. I grew up on a farm in Iowa and always had animals – horses, cattle, chickens, dogs, cats, pigs, sheep, rabbits, ducks, and so on. Animals are always there and don’t judge; they are always happy to see you.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Depends on the day/mood/thought—I really enjoy Five Guys when I want a burger, Blue when I want sushi, Panera when soup is calling me….I will really go anywhere as long as my order doesn’t come with tomatoes!
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Readers who are interested or curious about Respite should email me at edbenne@gmail.com. They can also visit the Statewide Respite Network website at https://nrrs.ne.gov/respitesearch or call 1-866-737-7483.