Magic Moments Respite Program

Magic Moments Respite Programs offer relief to primary care givers from the unending and demanding tasks involved in caring for their special needs child. Respite programs also offer children a chance to socialize in the context of fun and educational activities. Both families and children benefit from these magic moments stolen away from the hectic lives they lead.

“Yedei Chesed, you help nurture these neshomos that are dependent on others. You allow them to see sunshine in the darkest of days; to feel a cool breeze in moments of pain; and to taste the true joys of life!”

Overnight Respite

Overnight respite affords families the opportunity to confidently leave an individual with special needs overnight with another caregiver. This enables the family to attend a wedding, take a long overdue vacation or be able to cope with a crisis. The service can be provided either at the home of the individual or the caregiver.

“The good feeling that my child with special needs was properly being cared for made this vacation a relaxing one. It would not have come about without your help. Thank you.”

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Shabbos Respite

Volunteers are paired with a child who has special needs. The visits, one or two hours on weekends and holidays, often forge special relationships that enrich the lives of all involved. The individual child, the volunteer and each of their respective families benefit from this unique program.

“ Somehow Yedei Chesed has a way of knowing what are the nicest things to do. Your thoughtfulness in sending a volunteer to our house on Shabbos, allowed us to get our much needed rest!”

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Sunday Respite

This program provides recreation for children on Sunday and Legal Holidays during which time school is not in session. The children participate in interesting and enjoyable activities while at the same time enabling their parents to attend to various aspects of their busy lives. Our wheelchair accessible bus and van transports the children to the Respite Center as well as takes them on occasional outings.

“I find that the Sunday Respite Program not only provides the respite, but also gives my son a structured Sunday filled with activities.”

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After School Programs

The children are picked up from school and taken to the Magic Moments Respite Center where their supervision is individualized. The program director works with parents and the child’s school to develop an individualized homework and/or therapy program. Music therapy, arts and crafts, special guest entertainment and refreshments are integral aspects of this program.

“The after school hours used to be a nightmare in our house, but since I started sending my son to the Magic Moments Respite Center all that has changed. Homework time used to be hours and hours of frustration, but now he comes home with his homework all done! The loving attention showered on the children, by the kind staff, makes this program the highlight of my son’s day!”

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Teenage After School Programs

This is a special recreational-based after school program geared towards the needs of teenage adolescents. This program provides teenage boys with the opportunity to socialize with other young men their age and develop friendships with mentors who encourage them to participate in group activities. This program also provides for opportunities to venture into the community at large in a supervised setting and take part in new experiences.

“After school, used to be a lonesome time for my teenaged son who has developmental disabilities. Since he started attending the Teenage After School Program, he looks forward to those hours”

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Weekend Retreat

Once a year, parents and their child with special needs gather for a weekend retreat. The retreat is designed to provide parents with an opportunity to socialize with other families. Parents attend seminars, support groups and social activities, while gaining valuable information and assurance from others. The weekend retreat has proven itself to be a highly effective way in which to provide strength, encouragement and support for families who are the primary caregivers of their children with special needs. In addition, the children have their own unique program allowing them to share in the excitement and fun.

“Thank you so much for hosting us at your weekend retreat. We found it to be very informative and inspiring! It was very helpful meeting other parents with the same situation. The weekend will give us a boost to help carry us through the rough road ahead…”

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Camp Mommy

When a mother is unable to maintain her ability to care for her family, the physical and emotional health of the entire family can quickly spiral out of control.

Camp Mommy offers a unique, much-needed getaway for the mothers of children with developmental disabilities. This special time enables them to do what many people take for granted in their daily lives – eat leisurely in a pleasant environment, sleep, shower or care for their personal needs with no pressure to hurry. Our goal is to lift these moms out of their stress-filled lives for just a few days, and let them relax, have fun, vent, make friends and gain strength to go on with their unrelenting efforts in caring for their child with developmental disabilities.

“I could only sum up my stay at Camp Mommy by saying ‘Thank You’ for the most pleasant experience I’ve had in a long time!”

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Summer Respite

During the last two weeks of summer vacation, the Magic Moments Day Camp provides campers with recreational opportunities, i.e. arts and crafts, boating and swimming. Transportation, lunch and snacks are also provided. The summer camp experience offers each child an exciting socialization opportunity, while enabling parents to prepare all family members for the new school year.

“The happy sounds of children having a grand time greeted my ears when I came to pick my child up from the Magic Moments Summer Camp. My child was delighted with all the fun things they did in the camp and was truly sorry when it was over.”

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