Out of the Gray - Home

Caring for Caregivers

Out of the Gray is a 501 c(3) charity in the state of Washington inspired by people obscured by the immense responsibility of caring for a dependent individual. We bring caregivers Out of the Gray as we ask them "What can we do for you?" We find they don't have an answer. We are not about before and afters; we are about reconnecting caregivers to themselves. In empowering caregivers to reimagine and recognize their own value, our intervention enables stronger connections for all of us. At some point, we all become caregivers.

I Can Help Financially

Team Yellow Umbrella

A yellow umbrella perfectly represents our organization's mission -- offering a source of cheerful comfort in the middle of life's downpours. Out of the Gray acts as a sheltering umbrella for a community of isolated and at-risk people.

Combatting "Compassion Fatigue"
Compassion fatigue is a real thing and it can be emotionally, physically, and socially overwhelming. Compassion fatigue is not a sign of failure. It's not a loss of love or concern. It's not a sign of selfishness or weakness. Providing for the needs of a dependent person, 24 hours a day, year in and year out, is demanding and the resulting fatigue is a normal result that caregivers can experience. No one can remain alone and unsheltered in a cold downpour and remain healthy.

You and I cannot take away the rain. But we can offer a little solace. We can be the bright umbrella that brings caregiving women out of the gray of isolation and anonymity. We can ask "What can I do for you"?

A Bigger Umbrella
Initially, Out of the Gray provided caregiving women with clothing that's flattering, fashionable, and most importantly, washable. Our generous donors continue to keep us well stocked with beautiful articles of clothing, shoes, purses, and other self-care items.

We soon discovered that the comfort and dignity of a workable wardrobe was only the beginning of what Out of the Gray can offer. Here are a few women we met who inspired us to offer a bigger umbrella of care and support: A woman who'd been given a complete wardrobe by caring co-workers, but needed a specific vacuum for her son with special needs to combat allergy sensitivities. One client, suffering from chronic depression, requested a deep house cleaning. Several women desperately needed professional massage therapy to sooth back problems and muscle pain caused by lifting a loved one repeatedly. For Caroline, it was about transforming a new apartment, chosen for wheelchair accessibility, into a home. Click to watch her story.

Bringing Caregivers Out of the Gray
Ultimately, it’s not about the clothes, or the gift cards, or connecting these inspiring women with services that can improve the quality of their own lives as they care for the lives of others.
It’s about representing that they are not invisible. It's about bringing them out of the gray into living color.
We respect their sacrifices. We support them in their quiet acts of devotion. We will increase their ability to lead within their families and within their communities. We ask you to be a part of this umbrella of support.