Extra Special Saturday Respite

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, FOCUS has postponed Saturday Respites until spring 2022. We hope to be able to serve our families in other fun ways during these “distanced” times. Please email [email protected] with any questions.

You deserve a break today!  Enjoy a few hours to run errands, lunch with a friend, or take a nap!

FOCUS offers Extra Special Saturday Respite (ESS) in several locations around metro Atlanta.   A nurse is at each location to manage G-tube feedings, seizures, and other medical care. Caregivers at each location are knowledgeable and experienced in caring for children with special needs. Ratio of caregiver to child is 1:4, but community volunteers are often on hand to help and play.  ESS is free to parents, although small donations are accepted.

ESS serves children ages 1 – 12 and is a wonderful time for the children to enjoy free play, music, and extra attention from FOCUS caregivers and volunteers.   Oh, and the parents enjoy the break!!

EXTRA SPECIAL SATURDAY INSTRUCTIONS

To learn more about registration for your child, email us. Registration notifications are emailed out to all active FOCUS families. Please note the registration restrictions of each location. If you are registering your child for the first time and would like to talk with someone, please email us.

Parents will receive a reminder email from the respite coordinator the Monday or Tuesday before each respite date, requesting that you confirm your plans to attend.  Important:  If you do not receive that email, you might not be on the respite list so call to find out.  Do not come to respite and hope for the best; we carefully plan our staff and volunteers based on the number of children we expect and do not want to disappoint anyone!!  If your child is sick on the day of respite, please call FOCUS and let us know; we might be able to add a child from the waiting list!!

Please bring lunch, extra clothes & diapers, and any medication (must be in prescription bottle, with correct dosage on label).  We look forward to sharing an Extra Special Saturday with your child – enjoy your time off!!

CURRENT EXTRA SPECIAL SATURDAY RESPITE LOCATIONS

• Alpharetta at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, 180 Academy Street in Alpharetta
• Chamblee at Embry Hills United Methodist Church, 3304 Henderson Mill Road in Chamblee