Two caregiving resources launched by the UO last year, the Care Provider Network and Shared Care Network, are available to help families as they look for child, elder and family care this summer due to the challenges caused by the pandemic.

The UO Care Provider Network connects UO community members who can provide care to UO families needing caregiving. Only those with a UO email address can access the network to either complete the registration form or to view the listings to connect with a care provider.

The UO Shared Care Network allows UO families to connect with other UO families seeking shared care arrangements. Through the list, UO families can work together to find creative options, identify solutions and establish mutually beneficial arrangements.

“Overall it’s been a really joyful experience,” said Kindra Thornock, a junior at the UO and caregiver through the Care Provider Network. “I think that a lot of parents are struggling with child care and this could be a great resource. A lot of students are really flexible on their pay rates and could maybe work better than a day care situation.”

Viewing and adding information to the network listings requires a Microsoft login using a UO DuckID and password, so the opportunity and information is exclusive to those affiliated with the UO.

“What I love is that it’s mostly students,” said Mariko Lin, assistant director and education and prevention outreach director for University Counseling Services, when asked about her experience using the UO Care Provider Network. “I wanted to be intentional, to hire either an undergrad or graduate student, because we want to give back to a student. It feels like a trustworthy resource for people who are a part of our campus community. Pandemic or not, I love the idea of having this caregiver network, so I hope they continue to have it available for staff.”

As summer approaches, new care providers and current providers who have not updated their information can log in to their UO Office account and use the ‘Sign Up as a Care Provider’ link to add their name to the summer care provider listing.

Users of the either of the networks are invited to provide feedback about the program through an anonymous survey.