Respite Program
Many young people and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities have a strong support network at home, but still strive for social connection with their peers. That’s where Mercy Home Respite programs come in.
Every Saturday beginning in September, almost 100 youth and adults attend our Respite program as a way to explore the community, enjoy recreational and social activities, and make and reconnect with friends. The activities of any given week vary, but include things like trips, games, music, yoga and horticultural therapy and more. We like to include variety in the activities to ensure continued stimulation, learning and expanding horizons.
We also offer In-Home Respite where a staff member visits a family’s home to work one-on-one with individuals to create goals that help them enjoy experiences in their neighborhoods like going to the library or a musical, traveling on a bus or subway, or making plans to hang out with friends. They get the opportunity to travel around the city while developing socialization skills.
Our children have been attending Mercy Home’s Saturday Respite program for about 10 years now. The staff is caring, dedicated and very loving towards the children. My children are always smiling when we bring them on Saturdays. The children are exposed to music and the arts and engage them in meaningful educational and fun activities.
As parents, we feel secure knowing that our children are in a safe, loving environment with dedicated people around them to ensure that they are always happy and protected. We feel that the Mercy Home staff are like family to us, and we hope the program continues so that my children have a happy, safe and educational place to attend on Saturdays where they can socialize with other children and enjoy time together."
- Christine and Angelo
