ST LOUIS, MO – Nine programs have been recognized at the 2010 National Family Caregiving Awards for their innovation, effectiveness and response to caregiver needs in their communities.

"We were thrilled to learn about so many innovative, diverse and effective programs around the country that support and educate family caregivers," said Gail Gibson Hunt, president and CEO of the National Alliance for Caregiving, during an awards ceremony held in St. Louis. "The support these programs provide to caregivers is so critical, especially during these difficult economic times when the time and expense of caregiving are so challenging for many caregivers."

The value of family caregiving is estimated at $375 billion per year – more than the value of home care and nursing care combined, according to studies. At least 65 million adults help friends and loved ones with debilitating illnesses in their homes and other community settings.

An estimated 80 percent of all care received by older Americans is provided by family members.

Nearly 60 percent of caregivers are employed and about 40 percent of caregivers have children under the age of 18. Managing work and family, in addition to caregiving, is stressful and costly and can exact a heavy toll, resulting in burnout and health problems.

This year's award winners are:

• Alzheimer's Association, Central and Western Virginia Chapter, in Charlottesville, Va., for its Connections: An Innovative Home Based Activity Program.
• Fox GERI: Geriatric Education & Research Institute of Cherry Hill, N.J. for Translation of ESP/Skills2Care.
• Interfaith Care Partners of Houston for its Care Team Program.
• Multicultural Community Services of the Pioneer Valley of Springfield, Mass., for its Parent Advocacy Group.
• New York University Langone School of Medicine of New York, N.Y., for its NYU Caregiver Intervention program.
• Partners in Care, Inc., of Pasadena, Md., for Ride Partners and Repairs with Care.
• Senior Services of Albany of Albany, N.Y., for Telephone Support Groups.
• The Kennedy Center, Inc., of Trumbull, Conn., for its Caring for the Caregiver program.
• Weill Cornell Medical College of New York, N.Y., for ThisCaringHome.org.

Each non-profit was awarded $20,000 to continue and enhance their programs.

Non-profitss from around the country competed in the categories of caregiver support and education either as a small community (with a population of 100,000 or fewer) or a large community (100,001 or more). Applicants were asked to demonstrate how they are innovative, effective and replicable based on research and their response to diverse populations.

"We are pleased to recognize these programs for the important contributions they're making to family caregiving," said Dennis White, president and CEO of the MetLife Foundation. "These organizations provide innovative examples that other nonprofits can draw upon to support the efforts of family caregivers."