Empowering Black Women Caregivers: The Lifeline of Binti Circle
A Baltimore-based support network, Binti Circle, is extending a helping hand to Black women who are caregivers. This nonprofit organization convenes in a cozy living room in Baltimore every fourth Friday of the month.
The term "Binti" originates from Swahili, meaning daughter. Dawnita Brown, the brains behind Binti Circle, emphasizes the importance of creating a sisterhood and support system to ease the caregiving journey.
Recent research conducted by Johns Hopkins University sheds light on the significant rise in family caregivers assisting older adults. The numbers surged by nearly six million from 2011 to 2022, escalating from 18.2 million to 24.1 million.
Brown, drawing from her personal experiences, recognized the dire need to support Black women caregivers. Historically, Black women have played pivotal roles in caregiving, tracing back to the times of slavery in the United States.
Sharing her story with WJZ, Brown revealed, "I suddenly found myself thrust into the role of a full-time caregiver with no guidance or community. Through my journey, I realized the immense toll caregiving takes—mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially."
The sisterhood fostered by Binti Circle not only alleviates the burdens of caregiving but also helps navigate through unforeseen challenges.
Women at any stage of their caregiving voyage are welcomed with open arms into Binti Circle's supportive embrace.
Reflecting on her experience, Kalin Thomas, a member of Binti Circle, expressed, "This group provides me with a safe space to vent without fear of judgment. It's liberating. I strive to ensure my parents' days are as comfortable as possible."
Thomas recounted how she relocated her life to Baltimore to care for her ailing parents, highlighting the immense impact Binti Circle had on her ability to cope with the stress of caregiving.
"Caregiving is incredibly stressful, often leading to moments of depression," Thomas shared candidly.
She emphasized the importance of feeling acknowledged and supported while tending to her late parents' needs.
"My siblings and I were thrown into caregiving without any preparation. We faced numerous challenges, but we managed to navigate through them," Thomas reflected.
Struggling to balance caring for her aging parents with her desire for independence, Thomas expressed her regret at not discovering Binti Circle earlier in her caregiving journey.
Brown advocates for caregivers who are in dire need of support and relief while caring for their loved ones.
"Binti Circle serves as a vital support system for Black women caregivers," Brown emphasized.
