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Family Support and Respite Programs
The Kennedy Center’s Family Support Services recognizes that all parents have dreams for their sons/daughters.
 Family Support Services further recognizes that there are unique challenges involved in parenting a child/adult with special needs and for those families life’s routines are magnified out of proportion.
These services, therefore, strive to support families so they are strengthened and better able to cope with life’s struggles. Family Support Services assists families in exploring options and opportunities and to gain access to resources.
One of the important purposes of family support is respite. “Respite” refers to short term, temporary care provided to people with disabilities in order that their families can take a break from the daily routine of care giving.
Respite is often referred to as a gift of time. The strategies for supporting families are based on the unique needs of each family as identified by the family.
Recently, The Kennedy Center was awarded a Caregiver Grant from the Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging. The Kennedy Center staff person provides, under specific funding guidelines, intensive support to family members and parents who are over the age of 60.
Families can access the following options:
- Trained respite companions
- Respite services
- Parent education
- Respitality weekends
- Family support meetings
- Caregiver meetings
- Advocacy
- Quarterly newsletter
 Respite Homes Needed:
The Kennedy Center along with the cooperation of the Department of Mental Retardation is looking for qualified people to provide Respite Care for persons with special needs in your own certified Respite Home.
If you are interested in becoming a paid Respite Care provider and/or opening up your home on a limited basis, please contact the Family Support Coordinator.
You must meet the Respite regulations of the Department of Mental Retardation and complete the application process through The Kennedy Center.
Contact info:
Daniela Buri-Kurtz, Family Support Coordinator
203-365-8522, Ext. 233
email: dkurtz@kennedyctr.org |
