Parents Of Special Children Offer ‘Mini Vacations’

September 11, 2008 Contributor

Submitted Article

FULTON, NY – Parents of Special Children is a non-profit organization supporting families in Oswego County who have a member of their family living in the home with a developmental disability, such as cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy and other neurological impairments.

It is our mission to provide community awareness of disability issues and to advocate on behalf of individuals with disabilities and their families.

One aspect of our service is Respitality, which is a combination of respite and hospitality.

This program offers parents or guardians an opportunity to refresh and renew themselves away from the demands of caring for a special needs child.

With support and donations from area businesses, a “mini-vacation” is offered and may include overnight accommodations, dinner certificates and / or entertainments.

One couple who recently enjoyed a Respitality package wrote regarding their dinner out, “It was such a treat to enjoy a beautiful evening at your restaurant, and a much needed time out from the daily challenges and struggles of raising children with special needs.  Thank you for being a special part of our mini vacation. Your thoughtfulness means a lot!”

Their words to the motel were “Thank you so very much for your donation that allowed us a beautiful evening at your motel! As parents of special needs children, the opportunity for such a relaxing evening gave us the chance to re-charge and re-energize. Thank you for your kindness in contributing to such a special time.”

Theresa Familo, Respitality coordinator at Parents of Special Children, said “Without the kindness and support of local businesses, the Respitality Program would not be the success that it is. Thank you to the following donors in 2008: Battle Island Bed & Breakfast, Bridie Manor Restaurant, Canale’s Restaurant, East Coast Bass Lake Resorts, Econo Lodge Riverfront Inn & Suites, Plainville Farms Restaurant, Scottish Inn, Serendipity Bed & Breakfast, and Vona’s Restaurant.

For more information regarding Respitality, contact Familo at 598-7672. missing or outdated ad config

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