Fort Wayne, Ind. — The Lutheran Foundation recently awarded Easterseals Northeast Indiana Fort Wayne a $100,000 grant to support respite services in 2024.
Respite services give caregivers for people with disabilities a helping hand by providing trained staff to step in for a brief period. Using respite services reduces stress for caregivers and enables the participant to build friendships, improving social and emotional health for the whole family.
“Respite services play an essential role in supporting families of individuals with disabilities by giving caregivers a break,” said Donna Elbrecht, Easterseals Northeast Indiana CEO. “The entire family benefits when caregivers’ needs are met.”
The grant funding will help cover operating costs for respite services in Allen, DeKalb, and Steuben counties.
Easterseals Northeast Indiana is the only provider in northeast Indiana with two houses dedicated specifically to respite services — one located in Fort Wayne and the other in Garrett.
In addition to overnight stays, respite services at Easterseals include summer camps, special activity nights, support during school breaks, and Parents Night Out events offered in partnership with other local organizations. The organization also accommodates emergency respite services, such as when a caregiver suddenly becomes ill or injured.