Families Respite Newsletter

Program Director

301 S. Polk, Suite 740

Amarillo, Texas 79101

806-337-1700

maria.garcia@cohs.net

Families Respite Program Assistant

301 S. Polk, Suite 740

Amarillo, Texas 79101

806-420-0221

saffire.stephens@cohs.net

As we begin a new school year, remember that you don’t have to do it all alone. The Families Respite Program is here to provide support and give caregivers the opportunity to rest, recharge, and spend meaningful time with their families. Whether you need help managing a busy schedule or simply need a well-deserved break, respite care can benefit you. We are honored to support families and look forward to continuing this journey together year-round. I also encourage you to ask about available college and camp scholarship funding, which may provide additional opportunities for your child and family. I am so thankful to be able to help the community in any way I can. I hope you all have an amazing school year!

Emergency alerts are one of the fastest and most reliable ways to receive critical information when something is happening in your area.

Make sure you are signed up for city alerts at amarilloalerts.com/alerts and that emergency alerts are enabled in your phone settings.

These alerts are location-based, meaning you will receive notifications specific to your area so you can take immediate action when it directly impacts you. They are sent directly to your phone during dagnerous situations such as:

* Tornado warnings and severe thunderstorms

* Flash flood warnings

* Wildfires

* Hazardous material incidents

* Evacuation notices

* Law enforcement emergencies

* AMBER alerts and missing persons

In an emergency, seconds matter. These alerts are designed to give you timely, accurate information so you can make informed decisions to protect yourself and your family.

Take a few minutes today to make sure you are connected.

Uniting Parents is a nonprofit organization funded by a grant from the Children with Special Health Care Needs Program of the Texas Department of State Health Services, and is part of the Coalition of Health Services.

Our mission is to support children with chronic illnesses and/or disabilities by providing parent case management services to their families.

If you would like to help us continue this mission, click the link below to make a donation.

Urgent Family Survey- Please Respond Today

Family Experience Survey
Please take a moment to complete the Family Experience Survey using the attached QR code—Your feedback helps us meet our state requirements and better serve you.

Families Respite Program

Uniting Parents is excited to introduce the Families Respite Program, funded by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). This program is designed to support families of children with special health care needs (CSHCN) by providing access to short-term respite care. The goal is to strengthen the family unit, reduce stress, and promote community involvement for the child.

Mission: The Families Respite Program seeks to:

• Help parents keep their child at home.
• Preserve and strengthen the family unit.
• Allow children to participate in community activities.
• Enable parents to spend time with other children or attend important events.
• Reduce family stress and rebuild relationships.

Respite Benefits:

• Helps parents rest, attend conferences, or handle emergencies.
• Provides care during short-term breaks like grocery shopping, attending special events, or taking siblings to activities.
• Note: This program is not for long-term or daily childcare.
• Funding for college scholarships.
• Funding for camp scholarships.
• Monthly Respite

Application Process:

1. Request an application from your case manager.
2. Respite services will be included as a goal in the family’s individual service plan.
3. After review, a decision letter and voucher instructions will be sent.

Voucher System:

• Upon approval, a voucher will be mailed with instructions for both the parent and provider to sign.
• The voucher includes the reimbursement rate and co-pay details.
• To receive reimbursement, the voucher must be submitted by the end of the month in which services were used.
• Reimbursement will be mailed approximately 8-10 weeks later.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What is respite? It’s a short break for families of children with special health care needs. It’s not daycare.
• How do I access respite hours? Contact your case manager; hours depend on need, approval, and funds availability.
• Who can be a provider? Parents can select friends or relatives (outside the home), but they are responsible for screening and training the provider.
• Who is eligible? Families receiving Uniting Parents services and not receiving respite from another source.
• How soon will I receive reimbursement? Reimbursement can take 8-10 weeks if vouchers are submitted on time. Delays may occur if not submitted by the deadline.

Calendar of Events

August

10- Essential Caregiver Kit Give Away https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/2912196129961?p=txzjsQABGrxQqjw3T8

12- First Day of School for Dumas ISD

12- First Day of School Lubbock ISD

18- First Day of School for Amarillo ISD

22- Uniting Parents Wonderland Family Fun Day

September

7- Labor Day (All Uniting Parents offices will be closed)

9- International FASD Awareness Day

26- 25th Annual All American Buddy Walk in Amarillo

October

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

10- World Mental Health Day

November

11- Veterans Day

13- World Kindness Day

14- World Diabetes Day

26- Thanksgiving Day (All Uniting Parents offices will be closed)

December

25- Christmas Day (All Uniting Parents offices will be closed)