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What is RESPITE? |
Families whose children have emotional or behavioral disorders or mental illness
more often than not find that home is a place of chaos and confusion, rather than a place of calm and quiet, and a soothing sanctuary to which they can retreat from
the stress and noise of the outside world.
Respite is short-term relief care for families whose children are living at home,
and have been diagnosed with a mental illness or serious emotional disturbance.
Respite offers time out for the parents and children, helping family members to
cope with their responsibilities, to rest and regroup, facilitating stability, and
to feel less isolated from family and friends. |
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What is the purpose of RESPITE? |
Respite builds upon the strengths and interests of each family member, encouraging
a healthy self-concept, and a “can do” attitude. Respite avails the children to
new places, people and opportunities that they otherwise would not know. Respite
helps to preserve the family and ease pressures that might otherwise lead to hospitalization,
divorce, neglect or even abuse.
Simply put, respite allows family members time to relax, knowing that one’s child
is safe, in the care of trained, skilled respite providers. |
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RESPITE Programs |
Family Time-Out is the only respite and mentoring program certified
by the Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH).
One-on-one relationships, where the provider and child and/or teen
engage in planned, therapeutic, recreational activities developed around the interests
of the youth and
Group Respite care, where providers and youth come together once
a month for a planned activity, or community field trip. The ratio of providers
to youth is carefully monitored to ensure the safety of all, so that everyone can
have fun.
“Creative Expressions” Art Camp
This summer art day camp for children ages 5-12 links the professional arts community
with the mental health community, fostering healing and improved self-worth in children
with emotional and behavioral disorders and mental illness.
Each Saturday, from June through August, nearly two dozen children participate in
various enrichment activities, including arts and crafts, storytelling, music, creative
drama, swimming and gardening. Programs are developed in partnership with guest
artists and staffed by our trained respite providers. Time is included for free-play,
one-on-one mentoring and interaction with the respite providers and artists.
This innovative program is funded through the Mississippi Arts Commission, other
local community grants, and the Department of Mental Health.
Involvement in any of our respite programs allows the child or teen to:
Experience healing, pleasure and a sense of competency
Learn new concepts and try new projects without fear of failure
Improve interpersonal social skills
Develop curiosity and imagination
Discover untapped talents and strengths |
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For more information about our respite programs, please call: (601) 981-1618.
Ask for Cynthia Moore-Hardy
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