May’s respite event was Under the Sea themed, but a more apt name might have been Out on the Playground! The planned events were a lot of fun, but the highlights were swinging, sliding, climbing and running. We also made boats out of Styrofoam bowls, and had a lot of fun floating . . . → Read More: Under the Sea Respite Event]]>

May’s respite event was Under the Sea themed, but a more apt name might have been Out on the Playground! The planned events were a lot of fun, but the highlights were swinging, sliding, climbing and running. We also made boats out of Styrofoam bowls, and had a lot of fun floating them in the baby pool. We could not have asked for better weather, and everyone was happy to get outside and run around!

This was the last event that the college volunteers will be able to attend, and we cannot thank them enough for their contributions! Our next three events (the second Saturday of each month), will take place over the summer months when college students go home to work and spend time with their families.

That means that we need community volunteers in order for our respite events to continue!

Please consider helping out for 2 hours a month to provide respite to families who really need it! The events are a great relief for children and volunteers alike, not to mention the parents who have a couple hours of respite.

Contact us by telephone (507-301-1841) or email (fss at laurabaker dot org) if you are interested in learning more.

Chue offers this, her reflections on time . . . → Read More: Farewell to FSS interns]]>
During spring semester, we had two great FSS interns (Chue Vue and Novia Josiah, both from St. Olaf). Unfortunately they are done, graduating, and headed out of town. But their had work here has been greatly appreciated. We wish them all the best on their endeavors.

Chue offers this, her reflections on time spent at LBSA:

My time at Laura Baker Services Association (LBSA) and with Family Support Services (FSS) has been filled with many rewarding and meaningful experiences. Through my involvement in planning and attending the monthly respite care events and assisting with the pilot respite program Circles of Care, I have gained a greater appreciation of the efforts made by LBSA and FSS, and the greater Northfield community to offer services to families with individuals who have developmental disabilities. I have also realized what a tremendous need there is for respite care, especially for families that have children with developmental disabilities. This need remains largely invisible and many people lack awareness about what respite entails and what working with a person with developmental disabilities entails. These were certainly things I was not aware of when I first started at LBSA. However, I came to realize that providing respite for families can make a huge difference, perhaps a difference I also would not have known had I not participated in FSS. Additionally through the respite events, I realized that taking care of child with developmental disabilities requires a lot of hard work; I cannot imagine what it is like for a family who has to manage on their own with limited support. Thus, the monthly respite care events that FSS hosts offer some relief for caretakers from their caretaking responsibilities – even if only for two or two and half hours.

The most meaningful part of participating in these monthly respite care events are the relationships that I get to develop with the children who attend these events. Each child has unique strengths and talents and it’s been amazing to discover each and every child’s potential. I have enjoyed their energy and enthusiasm to get involved with the crafts and group activities we plan. I also enjoy the flexibility in being able to work with children of all ages. This provides such a wonderful opportunity to interact with spectrum of diverse needs and interests.

Moreover, FSS has provided me with an enriching environment for personal, academic, and professional growth. I was challenged to get outside of my comfort zone and work with a population of individuals whom I have had very little interaction/ experience with. I was able to think about the work I did on a more critical level. As a Family Studies concentrator, I was really interested in how families (of all types) cope and are resilient to the challenges they experience raising a child(ren) with developmental disabilities. This experience has really help to enrich that area of my educational interests.

Again, I have had an amazing experience and know that the interactions and skills I have acquired while working with LBSA/ FSS will serve me well as I continue to explore and pursue my educational and professional interests.

Last week our College Buddies had a special event where everyone got together to celebrate a great year together. The group made picture frames with markers, glitter glue, and three dimensional stickers, and then took buddy portraits to put in the frames. As you can see, they created some beautiful . . . → Read More: College Buddy Event]]>

Last week our College Buddies had a special event where everyone got together to celebrate a great year together. The group made picture frames with markers, glitter glue, and three dimensional stickers, and then took buddy portraits to put in the frames. As you can see, they created some beautiful work!

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June 11-15, 2012

It’s hard to believe that it’s been a whole year since Laura Baker Services Association hosted a community forum where, together with Northfield area families, we discussed the need for respite services for families raising children who have developmental disabilities. We then decided on a plan for phasing in respite services, starting with . . . → Read More: LBSA respite care events after 1 year]]>

It’s hard to believe that it’s been a whole year since Laura Baker Services Association hosted a community forum where, together with Northfield area families, we discussed the need for respite services for families raising children who have developmental disabilities. We then decided on a plan for phasing in respite services, starting with monthly respite care events.

In September of last year, we hosted a “Meet & Greet” for families and their children to get acquainted with our Family Support Services programming and become familiar with staff and volunteers. The very next month we hosted our first “kids only” respite care event and have been continuing every month since.

Each month we send out more than a dozen personalized invitations to kids, and have had an average of nine attendees. The events usually consist of crafts, activities, group games, and snacks, with every event having a unique theme. Some of our most recent themes have been “Animal World,” “Spring,” and “Travel.”

Thus far, we have had more than enough volunteers and a great child to volunteer ratio. However, the vast majority of our volunteers are college students who will not be available during the summer, and the May event will be the last one that many of the college volunteers will be able to attend.

Our May “Under the Sea” themed event will be on May 12th from 3:30-5:30pm. And over the summer our events are scheduled for the second Saturday of each month from 3:30-5:30pm. We would like to invite you to be a part of them and join us in the fun this summer—it wouldn’t happen without volunteers!

As one of the college volunteers myself, I can attest to the fact that helping out at respite events has been more fun and rewarding than I ever would have expected. I never would have imagined how much I’ve enjoyed taking part in them and how much I’ll miss them over the summer.

Call 507-301-1841 or email us at fss@laurabaker.org if you’re interested in learning more about monthly respite events and how you can be a part of them!