Respite Care of San Antonio

In the mid-1980s, a core group of individuals saw a gap in the care that this community was providing to children with special needs. They rallied others to help create a system to allow temporary respite for the parents from the intense and constant care required by their beloved child.

Together they built Respite Care...a place for parents and families to regroup from the constant pressures of care and caring. Indeed a place where their children – who don't quite 'fit in' by some definitions – can participate, be cared for and be celebrated for the individuals they are. Respite Care has also become a safe haven for children who have been victims of abuse or neglect.

Respite Care is a series of services and programs administered by professionally trained caregivers in multiple locations throughout San Antonio. These include a full-service child daycare, an emergency shelter, foster placement and part time day out programs. Most programs are for the child with special needs, as well as siblings.

Children with developmental disabilities require round-the-clock-care. This is often emotionally, physically and financially exhausting for parents. National studies indicate such children are 4 to 10 times more likely to suffer physical or emotional abuse or neglect. Because the time and commitment required for home care makes it difficult for both parents to work, and the associated medical expenses can rapidly deplete a family's financial resources, the majority of effected families are of moderate to low income. As a result, these families are often unable to afford expensive respite care for their child. Respite Care offers its services to families on a sliding scale, based on ability to pay. It is a nonprofit organization, and exists through grants and funding from organizations like The United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, as well as through special wellness services support from Methodist Healthcare Ministries and CentroMed. It also exists through the generosity of individuals who know that every dollar they can give – either while alive or through estate planning -- is meaningful.