Who is Dawnita Brown and what is Binti Circle?

Dawnita Brown is a caregiver in Baltimore who left her career to care for her parents. She founded Binti Circle, a community for caregivers, particularly Black daughters.

How much is unpaid family caregiving worth in the US?

In 2021, unpaid family caregivers provided an estimated $600 billion in care services, highlighting the significant economic value of their work.

What are the challenges of caregiving for parents?

Caregivers face emotional, physical, and financial challenges, including managing complex medical needs and processing grief for the parent they once knew.

Home / Lifestyle / From Peace Corps to Full-Time Caregiver: One Woman's Journey

From Peace Corps to Full-Time Caregiver: One Woman's Journey

20 Nov

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Summary

Dawnita Brown left her government job for the Peace Corps, then returned for family care.
Family caregivers provide over half a trillion dollars in unpaid labor annually.
Brown founded Binti Circle to support Black daughters in caregiving roles.

From Peace Corps to Full-Time Caregiver: One Woman's Journey

Dawnita Brown's life took an unexpected turn when a family health crisis necessitated her return from a Peace Corps assignment. What began as a temporary commitment to care for her mother after a stroke evolved into a full-time role, now also including her father. Brown, who previously left a secure government job, now navigates the demanding landscape of in-home care, managing medications, appointments, and daily needs for both parents living in her Baltimore home.

The financial strain of long-term care is immense, with many families relying on unpaid support. In 2021 alone, family caregivers provided an estimated $600 billion in essential services. Brown sustains her family's care through a combination of Medicare, supplemental insurance, and her mother's pension, having prioritized financial readiness for her initial Peace Corps plans. Her dedication extends beyond her immediate family through the Binti Circle, a community she established to support Black daughters in caregiving.