By Lisa Yunker | ABLE Technical Advisor
Almost one year ago, we introduced you to CIF’s Respite Care Program. CIF’s ABLE Program staff initiated the Respite Care Program because we understand that caring for a child with disabilities is a super rewarding job, but it can also be tough. While the kids are having fun and learning, the Respite Care Program provides a chance for the full-time caregivers to take a break, relax, and recharge.
Our amazing ABLE staff and local community volunteers have been working hard to make this happen every week. They’ve put in so much time and effort, and we’re so grateful for their dedication.
They say a picture paints a thousand words, but we have something even better. One of our church partners generously provided their time and expertise to create a video to help promote our Respite Care Program. Please click on the “Respite Care Video” link down below to see our Respite Care in action.
In the video, Tho Thavy, one of our ABLE staff members, shares some incredible insights into the benefits of the program. She talks about how it helps families and caregivers take a day off to rest, focus on their daily tasks, participate in social events, and just enjoy some time out without worrying about their children.
She also observes, “I have noticed gradual changes in the children after joining the Respite Care Program. They have improved life skills, are more social, interact better with each other, and show good behaviour. Our staff teaches and encourages them to share toys and take turns during playtime.”
We’re thrilled with the results of this program, and we’re determined to make it available to all the caregivers and families who need it. So far, we’ve only been able to pilot this program in one province, but we’re working hard to secure funding to expand it to other provinces as well.
Foster mom, On Samoun says of her foster daughter who has intellectual disabilities, autism, epilepsy and blindness, “Despite her challenges, she is always happy and smiles brightly every times she hears, ‘Let’s go to the CIF office… She loves going to the CIF office to play with other children. Because of her severe disabilities, seeing her happy and smiling is the biggest change I’ve noticed in her.’”
We hope you’ll join us in supporting this amazing program. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of families and caregivers who are caring for children with disabilities.
Sincerely,
Lisa, Erin, and the CIF Team
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