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Last updated on July 6, 2007

The Respite Center is a unique program in Dane County working with families in times of stress or crisis to preserve the parent/child relationship through the provision of quality, nurturing child care and short term counseling and support for parents, 24-hours a day.

Description:
The Respite Center provides childcare by appointment 24-hours a day, seven days a week to families in Dane County who are experiencing high levels of stress and are in need of additional support. Children from birth to fourteen stay at the center for short visits, typically four to sixteen hours. Skilled Childcare Specialist and well-trained volunteers meet the physical and emotional needs of children in an enviroment designed to reduce stress and promote positive social interactions. The Respite Center's home-like atmosphere offers safety and comfort to children. Parents receive support in a confidential, non-judgemental setting. Staff social workers schedule childcare, provide short-term counseling, and give community referrals.

History:
In 1978, a consortium of day care centers applied for a federal grant to start a respite program for the families they served. In 1978, they received a 3-year grant to provide respite services. Red Caboose Daycare became the manager of the grant. With the City of Madison's help they purchased a house on Williamson St. to house the program. On January 1, 1979 the Respite, Emergency, Crisis Child Care Program opened its dooor. From 1979 until 1984 the Respite Center was a program of the Red Caboose Daycare Center. Management issues and funding streams caused an amicable parting of ways. In 1984, the Respite Center became its own 501c3 not-for-profit agency.

Contact people:

Paula Evenson, Program Manager, 608-244-5730, (email) Meg Miller, Director, 608-244-5730, (email)

Office fax number: 608-244-5780

Address:

2120 Fordem Ave. Suite 180 Madison, WI 53704 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.respitecenter.org

Directions:

From East Johnson, turn North onto Fordem Ave. The Respite Center is located in the Family Centers Building, approximately 1/2 mile down Fordem Ave, across the street from Webcrafters. The Respite Center entrance is off of McGuire St. (a short street which connects Fordem and Sherman Ave.)   Nearest Bus Stop: busline #2--stop varies, 1-2 minute walk

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