Ever feel like those darling children that you adore may be getting on your nerves just the teeniest bit? Fiesta is pleased to offer our families two different programs to help re-charge. According to Adopt US Kids, research shows that respite care reduces stress in families, decreases the risk of abuse and neglect and marital tensions and helps fend off feelings of depression and aloneness.
The Fiesta Respite Co-op started about six months ago in the Albuquerque area and is in the process of starting groups throughout the state. It is open to all adoptive parents (kinship, state, private, domestic or international) after they attend a three hour training entitled, “Respite- It’s More Than Just Packing a Bag” presented by local therapist Leah Brouwers. She addresses strategies for both the sending parent and the receiving parent, explaining ways to help a child feel safe and welcome without crossing parental lines, what to do about false accusations, and how to send a child off and welcome him back in healthy ways. After the training, the parents are added to a list of providers and are kept informed about new families through a Facebook group or by mail. Parents are encouraged to connect with other families that they think will be a good match for theirs, going on outings together, or meeting in each other’s homes. They may want to start respite with short, two or three hour stays and then increase the time, depending on the child. Parents may choose to trade respite services hour for hour, pay out-of-pocket, or decide on a barter arrangement. Trainings are scheduled for March 10th in Roswell, March 17th in Gallup, April 21st in region 5, and April 27th for region 2 in Santa Fe.
The “Rest and Reconnection” weekends are scheduled to start this winter. There will be one retreat in each of five regions across the state, serving five to seven families each. Participants, (either a couple or a single parent with a support person) will be invited to stay at a local inn for two nights of kicking back and having fun. They will have time to go out together, attend informative trainings to gain new tools for parenting hurt kids, interact with other families, have a private session with a family coach to address specific concerns, be matched with a contact who will be available after the retreat, and leave with resources and gifts that will benefit their families. Local businesses are already starting to pitch in to provide families with gift certificates. Weck’s, Hinkle Family Fun Center, Desert Gardens Chile and Spice Company, Jinja Bistro, End of the Rainbow Massage, Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches, Sports and Wellness and CSP Dance Studio have already generously offered to partner with Fiesta to help these families get a needed break.
The best part of taking a break is the ability to look at your child with new eyes. Seeing that sweet, peaceful face on the pillow, or being greeted at the door by the kids you love, feels much different after a few hours or days away. The ability to take on the challenges after being refreshed makes a big difference in the lives of parents and children alike.
If you’d like more information on the Fiesta respite program, or if you know of a business anywhere in the state that would like to donate to the R and R weekend retreats, contact Carol Gloetzner at 1-888-298-7562 or carol.gloezner@la-familia-inc.org .
