Why we are.

Together they built Respite Care…a place for parents and families to regroup from the constant pressures of care and caring. 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.

What we are. Where we are.
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, Mother’s Day and Family Day Out programs, and Parents Night Out programs. Programs are for the child with special needs, as well as siblings.

The Davidson Respite House Emergency Shelter
is the big house with the great playground in the historical Monte Vista neighborhood. It provides temporary and emergency shelter to children with developmental disabilities and to those with complex medical diagnoses. Children with these special needs who are taken into state custody from all over Texas are brought here where they are cared for and helped to heal.

Children with special needs whose parents must attend to health or family matters can also stay at the Davidson Respite House temporarily.

Respite’s newest service: Foster Placement.
In August of 2006, Respite Care was licensed as a foster placement agency. A child who is in protective custody can stay at the Davidson Respite House Emergency Shelter from a few days to a few months. After this, if he or she does not go to a biological relative’s home, the child must enter the foster care system. For a child with special needs, finding loving people willing to open their hearts and homes is a challenge.

That is why Respite Care sought and received licensing to be a foster placement agency for children with special and habilitative needs. By getting to know these children as individuals the chances of finding a good match is more probable. Respite Care is also committed to providing training and support for prospective foster parents so that they are better prepared for the challenges, and so the potential of each child can be maximized. If you are interested in learning more about being a foster parent to a child with special needs, please click here.

Federal Research Grant.
Respite Care is also the lead in a five-year research initiative underwritten by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its purpose is to define community services that best support families with special needs children. During the “Together In Strength” research program (to be completed in 2008) – additional children and families will be able to receive services because of the funding.

How we are.
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. If you are interested in making a donation to help the children and families of Respite Care,    Please click on the Make a Donation button below...