Caring for a child with special needs can severely challenge families. The needs of a child with disabilities often become the central focus of attention, overwhelming and isolating other family members. Respite care can play an important role in maintaining the health and stability for these families by giving them a break.

At Hope House, parents of medically fragile children can find rest from the strain and exhaustion that result from providing constant care. It is a special place where the focus is on making medically fragile children feel at home while giving their parents a much-needed break. Hope House features special equipment, activities, and a professional staff that is trained to meet the needs of these special children.

WeCare Respite is Saturday respite that is available once a month for children with special needs who are not medically fragile. WeCare Respite affords families of children with special needs time to rest and recharge their batteries by providing care through loving volunteers.

• What is Respite Care?
• What services are offered through Childrens Respite?
• Who can receive these services?
• What are the eligibility requirements for children receiving services from Hope House?
• How much does it cost?
• How do I apply for services?
• How can I help?

The word respite means a brief interval of rest or relief. Children's Respite affords families of children with special needs time to rest and recharge their batteries. Respite care can play an important role in maintaining the health and stability for these families by giving them a break, providing some time for focusing on personal needs and relationships.

Hope House Children's Respite Center offers respite care for families of medically fragile children.

WeCare Respite provides respite care for families of children who are non-medically fragile.

Southwest Christian Care serves persons from all walks of life without regard to economic status, race or religious affiliation.

To be eligible for center-based respite care at Hope House, children must be ages birth through 21, medically fragile but stable. During their stay at Hope House, children must be free of acute infectious illness and primarily non-ambulatory.

Hope House is unable to serve children with self-injurious or aggressive behaviors, major psychological disorders, ventilator dependent conditions or communicable diseases.

We are funded by many generous individuals, churches, businesses, corporations and foundations, enabling us to provide our services at no cost to the patient or their family.

The Hope House ministry provides planned respite for non-ambulatory medically fragile and special needs children and adolescents from ages birth through 21. We do not provide crisis respite services. The following is our process for assessment and admissions.

Click Here for Application

1. Please complete the Hope House Application. Click on the link to open the application, complete, then print the application. Mail the application to us at 7225 Lester Road, Union City, GA 30291. or call us at 770-969-8354

2. We will call you to set up a Family Interview. This interview typically lasts two hours and includes a tour of Hope House, an explanation of our program, and a history and physical of the child. Please bring any medications, food, diapers your child might need during this time.

3. The Hope House Care Team will meet following the Family Interview to determine if we are an appropriate setting for the child. We will then contact the family to set up a day stay of 4 hours so we may further evaluate your childs needs. An initial one night stay will then be scheduled. During the day stay and first overnight, parents are required to remain in the local area and be available if we need to contact you.

4. The first 90 days that your child is in our program is considered an evaluation period to determine if Hope House is an appropriate setting for your child. Our staff will communicate with you during this time regarding how your child is adapting to Hope House. Parent feedback, questions and visits are encouraged. We look forward to serving your family.

There are many ways to support Southwest Christian Care and make a difference in peoples lives. If you would like more information about how you can help, contact Janice Wright, Director of Development at (770) 969-8354