National observance brings awareness to the challenges of families with special needs
Farmington Hills, MI – March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and the non-profit human services agency Judson Center wants to remind parents and primary caregivers of its respite care services for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) and physical limitations.
Judson Center’s Lahser Children’s Respite Home provides a home away from home for children ages 6 to 17 with IDDs such as autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and Down syndrome.
Children can stay anywhere from one night to a few weeks in the spacious, ranch-style home located in Beverly Hills, Michigan. It’s the only respite home of its kind serving parents and caregivers in Oakland, Macomb, Wayne and Washtenaw counties.
“We have been able to provide this unique and valuable service since 1986, thanks in part to the generosity and support of our donors and fundraising campaigns,” said Judson Center President and CEO Lenora Hardy-Foster. “The importance of respite care for parents and caregivers of children with special needs cannot be understated. Not only are we giving them a much-needed break for self-care, but we are also providing the children with an opportunity to participate in skill-building activities and interact with their peers. And, it’s all done under the supervision of our well-trained respite providers.”
The Lahser Children’s Respite Home is barrier-free and able to accommodate overnight stays for up to six children at a time. In addition, Judson Center transports children to school and back within a certain radius of the home. Each child receives individualized and specialized care from attentive and compassionate staff.
“The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that as many as one in six kids between the ages of 3 and 17 have at least one developmental disability,” said Judson Center Chief Operating Officer Susan Salhaney. “Parenting is a difficult job in itself, and there are additional challenges when caring for a child with special needs. Some children need around-the-clock attention. Respite can help offset these challenges, relieve stress, and strengthen the entire family’s health and wellbeing. “
Judson Center is contracted with Community Mental Health (CMH) agencies in Oakland, Macomb, Wayne and Washtenaw counties. Families are referred for respite services through their local CMH agency, which also picks up the costs for the respite care.
For more information on Judson Center’s Lahser Children’s Respite Home, or to take a tour, call 248.646.1297 or visit www.judsoncenter.org.
About Judson Center
Judson Center, trusted by Michigan families for more than 99 years, is a non-profit human services agency providing expert, comprehensive services that strengthen children, adults and families impacted by abuse and neglect, autism, and developmental, behavioral and physical health challenges so they can achieve whole health, well-being, and maximum potential. Judson Center also offers integrated primary healthcare for all through Judson Center Health in Warren and is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). Since opening its doors in 1924, Judson Center has grown to change the lives of nearly 12,000 children, adults, and families each year. Judson Center has offices in Genesee, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties. Headquarters are located at 30301 Northwestern Highway, Suite 100, Farmington Hills, MI 48334-3277. Learn more at www.judsoncenter.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Daphne Hughes, Hughes Creative, LLC
248.417.4309, daphne@hughescreativellc.com
Hannah Gregory, Judson Center
248.837.2056, hannah_gregory@judsoncenter.org