Respite

The respite programs at Heritage Christian Services offer short-term care for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, which gives their caregivers the gift of time to devote to other areas of their lives.

Some programs, like Respitewood and Respitelodge, can offer overnight support while others provide after-school respite. In addition, Heritage Christian serves families who are interested in hourly respite or in having a staff member provide respite in the family’s home.

Families can rest assured that their loved one is being cared for by a professional staff member who is certified in CPR, first-aid and specialized care techniques to support physical, emotional and behavioral needs. There are no out-of-pocket costs for Heritage Christian respite services as long as applicants: have a developmental disability, live at home with a parent or guardian and are enrolled in Home and Community Based Services Waiver.

HOURLY RESPITE

All hourly respite programs (after-school and recreation) currently have waiting lists. Spots typically open up at the end of the school year or end of summer as students graduate or age out. When a spot becomes available, respite staff members review all applicants on the waiting list. When approving applications, they consider how long a person has been waiting and the family’s needs, along with medical, behavioral and supervision supports and compatibility with other students. Please make sure that all submitted applications are accurate and complete. Incomplete applications cannot be accepted.  If your application is accepted, we will require additional information before your time at respite.

Afterschool Programs

Heritage Christian afterschool programs are for students ages 5-21 and run Monday through Friday, while school is in session.

Afterschool Adventures: 2 – 6 p.m. at 1000 Ellicott Creek Road, Tonawanda, NY 14150

Afterschool Adventures is a site-based, non-certified respite program that supports school-aged students ages 5 to 21. We are not able to administer any medications except an EpiPen.

Respite Creek: 2 – 6 p.m. at Creekside School, 41 O’Conner Rd, Fairport, NY 14450

Respite Creek is a site-based, non-certified after-school program located in a classroom at the Creekside School, which is part of the BOCES Foreman Center in Fairport. Respite Creek follows the BOCES school calendar. Students spend after-school hours in a safe, supportive environment and take part in activities including creative projects, exercise such as walking and basketball, outdoor fun on the playground and learning opportunities on the computers and iPads. We are not able to administer any medications except an EpiPen.

Respite Friends: 2 – 6 p.m. at the Pieters Family Life Center, 1025 Commons Way, Rochester, NY 14623

Respite Friends is a site-based non-certified afterschool program that follows the Holy Childhood school calendar. It is located at the Pieters Family Life Center which is a state-of-the-art health and wellness facility equipped with a gymnasium, fitness room, kitchen, café and studios for dance, music and art. Participants enjoy activities like exercising, working on a computer, reading, baking and playing games and sports. We are not able to administer any medications except an EpiPen.

Recreation Programs

Respite Teens: 6-9 p.m. at the Pieters Family Life Center, 1025 Commons Way in Henrietta

Respite Teens is a site-based non-certified recreation program that supports young people ages 13 to 21. Participants choose from on-site activities including cooking, watching movies, playing games and much more. Dinner is provided at this program. We are not able to administer any medications except an EpiPen. Respite Teen meets one time a month (usually the third Friday of each month).

Club Adventure: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Friday – Sunday at 1000 Ellicott Creek Road, Tonawanda, NY 14150

Club Adventure is a site-based respite program that meets most weekends and offers social and recreational opportunities. Scheduled activities are age-specific, and may take place at our location in Tonawanda or at locations around western New York.

RESPITE CAMP

Camp Heritage offers two sessions of day camp during the summer. Both sessions are held at the Rotary Sunshine Campus in Rush, New York. Families are responsible for transportation to and from the camp. Participants must be between the ages of 5 and 21 years old and eligible for services through OPWDD. The application deadline is typically at the end of April. Families will be informed of acceptance/waitlist the first week of May.

Session 1: Held at the end of June; specific dates announced in February

Session 2:  Held at the end of August; specific dates announced in February

FREESTANDING RESPITE (OVERNIGHT)

Freestanding respite gives guests a fun opportunity to socialize and enjoy time away from home in a safe environment while providing caretakers time to accomplish other tasks or enjoy time to themselves. Heritage Christian has two overnight respite locations. Both homes are fully accessible and can support individuals of all abilities. Respite staff are certified to pass medications and can provide personal care assistance to guests based on that person’s level of support needed. Our respite programs may not be able to meet all skilled nursing and behavior support needs. Each application is reviewed by the program’s director and as needed by a registered nurse to ensure that the person’s needs can be safely met.

Respitelodge –Located in Chili, New York, Respitelodge can serve up to six guests per night and provides two staff members on evening shifts, one on overnights.

Respitewood – Located in Webster, New York, Respitewood can serve up to five guests per night and has three to four staff members on evening shifts, two on overnights.  Th staff at Respitewood can provide one-on-one and range of scan supervision (or less, if needed).

For more information or an application, please contact respiteintake@heritagechristianservices.org or (585) 967-0178.