Our Story
How we started
Dealing with the challenges of today requires problem-solvers who bring different perspectives and are willing to take risks and make sacrifices for others. We Support Caregivers, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization in Virginia Beach that emerged from one daughter's faithfulness to her mother who she took care of for more than 10 years. The CEO and Founder, LaSheena Renee McBride, caregiving journey began at the age of 19. LaSheena had no idea exactly what caregiving entailed and never heard of such a term; however, what she knew is her mother needed to be taking care of and she unknowingly assumed such a role and the responsibility. The journey of taking care of her mother, Gladys Elizabeth Jones McBride, went through several phases. The phases was predicated on the progression of her mother's health. Despite the several phases, the different situations, the good, the bad, the ugly, and the scary, LaSheena remain faithful to her mother and stood by her through it all. As the years went by and Ms. McBride's health declined the more, LaSheena took on more responsibilities and was exposed to the healthcare industry where she later begin a career as a healthcare professional, which is due to her taking care of her mother.
Honoring our Founder's Mother:
Mrs Gladys Elizabeth Jones McBride
(April 11th, 1946 - June 29th, 2018)
Our Founder and Executive Director's journey of caring for her mother, Mrs Gladys Elizabeth Jones McBride, is the core reason why We Support Caregivers now exist. LaSheena never knew her caregiving journey and experience would paved the way to help encourage and empower other caregivers on their journey.
In mid 2017, LaSheena was sitting on the couch with her mother one evening and all of a sudden the thought, the idea, the instructions came of having an organization that offered support to caregivers. In that moment, she knew she had to go write down everything that God was telling her to do. Fastforward to January 2018, We Support Caregivers, (formerly known as Caregivers Supporting Caregivers Network) was born. LaSheena never knew the years of being faithful to her mother and doing what God wanted her to, would lead to her having an organization that provides support to caregivers. God's plan.
The organization was also established from her pursuit to inspire others individuals in Hampton roads, surrounding areas, and communities who take care of their elderly loved ones, to cultivate and focus on self-care. In efforts to support the community, we have the desire for our actions to speak louder than our words. Established January 2018, we are an organization driven by progressive ideas and bold actions. We believe with your continued support, we can have an impact on lives of caregivers locally and abroad.