Fort Wayne, Ind. — The Lutheran Foundation recently awarded Easterseals Arc of Northeast Indiana 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 Arc 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 Arc is the only northeast Indiana provider with two houses dedicated to respite services, one in Fort Wayne and one in Garrett. Respite services also include summer camps, special activity nights, support during school breaks, and Parents Night Out events in partnership with other local organizations. Easterseals Arc also can accommodate emergency respite needs, such as when a caregiver suddenly becomes ill or injured.