Grant to fund respite care

By Jewish Review

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A $2,000 grant from the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation will enable Jewish Family and Child Service to offer a Respite Care Program for families with children or adolescents with a disability.

Respite care is temporary, short-term care for an individual with special needs.

“One of the biggest issues that parents face when raising children with special needs is taking adequate time for themselves to feel nurtured and positive,” said JFCS TASK Inclusion Specialist Corinne Spiegel, M.S. Spec. Ed.

The respite care program is designed to provide a needed break for parents, while assuring that trained volunteers provide appropriate care for children.

“It is our hope that volunteers not only receive training and experience working with people with disabilities, but also feel valued and connected to someone needing assistance,” said JFCS Volunteer Coordinator Erin Singer, MSW.

Caregivers interested in receiving respite care can contact Spiegel at 503-226-7079 ext. 22 or corinne@jfcs-portland.org.

By volunteering two or more hours a month, respite care providers can make a profound difference in a family’s life, said Singer. Those 18 or older interested in learning more about volunteering can contact Singer at 503-226-7079 ext. 17 or erin@jfcs-portland.org.