Welcome to the new CIP website! Take a look and see how we can help you.
Caregiving is…
- an issue that affects us all.
- the difference between living and existing.
- something we'll all need one day.
- a career that deserves to be uplifted.
- a lifetime of companionship.
- why the CIP needs your help!
The CIP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports in-home caregivers and those in need of care throughout the UP. From caregiver training classes to one-on-one support, we’re working to improve caregiving for everyone.
Who We're For
How can we help you?
We envision a world where everyone who needs care can find a trusted caregiver and where every caregiver is well trained, celebrated, and respected.
Our Why
Because the caregiving industry is broken, and we deserve better.
The CIP exists for one reason: to do everything we can to raise the standard and quality of in-home caregiving in Marquette County—with plans of reaching the entire United States!
Caregiving is a multi-billion-dollar industry, but it’s one that so often fails the caregiver and the cared for. Too few people are choosing this career path, and we’re now facing a national shortage of caregivers. This affects the UP of Michigan especially, where we have more elderly people living at home per capita than anywhere else in the country.
When you or your loved ones need care, don’t you want a system that works? Please join us in fixing a broken system!
We stand against an industry that:
- Cares more about maximizing profits than taking care of people
- Sends untrained contractors to care for your loved ones
- Leaves caregivers without a decent wage or growth opportunities
What We Do
We care for the caregivers and the cared for.
The CIP has a deep connection to caregiving that can only come from decades of lived experience. We know what it’s like to be at your wit’s end searching for a caregiver you can actually trust. And we’ve seen firsthand how poorly many caregivers are treated by their employers.
We say, “Enough is enough.” It’s time to fix the broken system!
We advocate for both sides of the caregiving equation across the Upper Peninsula:
- We create a better pathway for in-home caregiving as a career with certification and growth opportunities.
- We help those who need caregivers understand the system and get connected with ethical, well-vetted agencies.
For both caregivers and the cared for, we also offer expert resources to guide you and help you advocate for yourself.
Our Pillars
We support better caregiving across the UP. One person at a time.
Our Story
Meet our inspiration, Dorothy!
The CIP was founded by Eric Paad, who continues to serve as the CIP President and Executive Director. Eric’s daughter Dorothy is a spokeswoman for the CIP and is an inspiration for us, our volunteers, and our supporters.
As someone who has a disability and requires in-home care, Dorothy understands the difference that quality caregivers make, helping their clients live rather than just exist. She is passionate in her desire to advocate for people with special needs—and their caregivers.
Get to know Dorothy and the rest of the CIP team.
What is caregiving?
Caregiving is never one-size-fits-all.
There are hundreds of ways to give care, and every situation is unique.
Whether you need help finding a trusted caregiver or would like to pursue caregiving as a potential career path, the CIP is here to help you understand the caregiving landscape, dispel common myths, and get the critical information you need.
Rachel Mitchell,
In-Home Caregiver & Nursing Student
I realize how close you get in such a short amount of time being a caregiver because it’s very personal. These people are some of the most incredible people that I’ve ever had the chance to work with.
Rachel Mitchell,
In-Home Caregiver & Nursing Student
Kara Vernon,
In-Home Caregiver & NMU Student
Throughout this experience, there were many unexpected and lasting benefits. Things I have learned that I can utilize the rest of my life in social and work atmospheres.
Kara Vernon,
In-Home Caregiver & NMU Student
Haley Pline,
In-Home Caregiver & Nursing Student
Caregiving helped me to form a wonderful relationship with [Drew] and to see how important that is in the medical world. Because a lot of times, that’s what people need: a friendly face—someone to listen to them and to talk and to laugh.
Haley Pline,
In-Home Caregiver & Nursing Student
Caregiver Training
View our upcoming classes and workshops.
We offer regular caregiver trainings for people of all ages, backgrounds, and life circumstances. Many of our students are looking to begin careers as full-time caregivers, while others are looking to gain a foundation of caregiving knowledge as they prepare to look after a loved one in the home.
We also offer custom training for organizations, churches, and businesses. If you’d like to fill an entire class, contact us and we’ll happily create a program just for you.
View our upcoming classes and register to attend for free!
Better Together
Get to know our partners!
