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Family Circle Respite Programs Expand
Sundays are more fun for young people with disabilities now that Family Circle has extended respite activities for an additional 30 weeks.
Parents in the Greater Boston area enthusiastically embraced the pilot program over the summer. The three-hour sessions offer swimming and arts programs tailored to the abilities of the individual children in attendance.
This non-denominational program is presented under the umbrella of Family Circle programs, which are managed by Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Boston with financial support from the Help A Little One Foundation.
“Nearly all of the families who participated in the trial have re-enrolled, and word of mouth is producing a flood of inquiries from other families who are searching for socializing and exercise opportunities for their children,” according to Doreen Cummings, Director of Individual Living and Working Supports at JF&CS and one of two Family Circle coordinators.
Respite services are hard to come by, so the program draws from as far as 30 miles away, she said. Up to 20 individuals can register for each Sunday.
The swim program requires one-on-one support in the pool. Participants rotate through three different activities over the course of the afternoon, guided by professional staff and volunteers.
“Music therapy was added for the new sessions and we will continue to expand as the program grows,” explained co-coordinator Pat Ludwig. Pat is the hands-on manager and also Assistant Director of Individual Living and Work Supports.
In a unique weave, the respite program employs three residents with disabilities from the Community Housing for Adult Independence (CHAI) program to work with program participants – a win-win situation for everyone.
“These services empower families and make their lives more manageable,” said Pat. “We are happy to be filling a need in the community.”
Respite activities take place at the Sidney Leventhal Jewish Community Center in Newton, MA. from 1 to 4 p.m. Contact Family Circle for a list of dates. Reservations are required and accepted on a first-come, first- served basis. There is a nominal fee of $30 for each session.
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