We Have A Desperate Need Right Here in WNY ?There are literally thousands of parents with special needs children who (because of the severity of their disability) qualify for respite services, but there is NO WHERE FOR THEM TO GO! The cost for our county and state to keep these children in hospitals or residential placement is far more than providing respite and support to families who choose to care for their children at home?And children cared for at home are much healthier, happier and have a much better quality of life, leading to greater productivity for them and their families. WHAT IS RESPITE?Respite literally means a period of rest or relief. Respite care provides a temporary relief from the often overwhelming responsibilities of caring for individuals with chronic physical, cognitive and/or social disabilities. WHY IS SOPHIE'S CLUB DIFFERENT?Although there are centers available, with a 2 year waiting list, many families feel the care is more custodial or hospital like. Sophie's Club will be different, a place where kids have fun, a Kid's Spa! |
Currently, there is such a lack of available respite care that Erie County alone has a 2 to 4 YEAR WAITING LIST ?This means that because families chose to care for their children at home rather than placing them indefinitely in a hospital or residence, they are given little to no ongoing support. The Divorce Rate among parents with children who have special needs is extremely high?(current statistics for parents who have children with autism is 85%-90%!) WHY IS SPECIAL CARE NEEDED ?Many children with developmental disabilities have medical, health care problems that prevent them from attending day care or having a regular babysitter watch them. Some problems are severe seizures, need to breathe through a tracheostomy tube, or being fed by tubes that enter the stomach. Other children may have difficulty interacting with others to let their caretaker know their needs or when they are upset and may end up having a severe tantrum or trying to hurt themselves. The family can entrust their child only to someone with the correct medical and developmental knowledge. |
