We help families get back on their feet.

Here is a recent success story that exemplifies many:

Mary and her two daughters, Annie (10) and Maya (7) came to Madison early in October. Still unsettled a year after losing everything in the Katrina disaster, Mary was looking for a safe and welcoming community in which to raise her children.

Sleeping in their car because the emergency shelters were full, she turned to the Respite Center for help to care for her daughters at night and while she worked on getting housing for her family, schools for her children, and a job for herself.

Upon arriving at the Respite Center, the girls raced from toy to toy, were demanding of staff time, and ate as if they couldn’t get enough food. Once they felt secure that their needs were going to be met, they relaxed and settled into a comfortable routine.

One evening, anticipating being the new kids at yet another new school, Annie developed a play for herself and Maya. They dressed up and presented it to the staff and other children. Annie was the rich kid, dressed in nice clothes with many friends. Maya was the poor homeless ‘Katrina’ child who looked unkempt and felt ill at ease. Annie the actress, helped Maya the actress, adjust to the new school.

We are pleased to report that with the help of the Respite Center, Mary’s family found temporary housing at the Salvation Army, the girls were successfully enrolled in school, and Mary found a job.

Here is another:

In June 2006, a single mother of two boys was interviewed for a major news article about the Respite Center in Isthmus, the local free weekly newspaper. Allowing a large photo of herself and her children to be included, she is quoted, "When my son was 3, he was a real stress in my life. He needed constant attention. I locked myself in the bedroom and called the Respite Center. They said to bring him in. When I came back to get him a few hours later, I was so happy to see him!"

She goes on to describe her younger son, who was born with a rare bone marrow disease. He needed numerous blood transfusions and several bone marrow transplants. She is further quoted, "I don’t know what I would have done without the Respite Center. When I need a break, I call them. Sometimes it’s just to get the house clean – otherwise I’m doing it in the middle of the night."