A grant from Legacy Health Endowment has made possible a Saturday respite care program for families with adults 18years and older who have special needs.

The program will be operated by United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Stanislaus County and held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a $5 fee at the UCP Turlock location at 959 E. Monte Vista Ave. Activities at the UCP Adult Disabled Respite Care Program will include karaoke, crafts, games and other opportunities for interactive social camaraderie. The program opened on July 20.

“As a parent of a special needs child, having respite services provided allowed my husband and I to spend much needed time together and be refreshed to take on the daily challenges,” said D. Whisenhunt, parent and UCP board member.

The goal of the program is to improve the quality of life for the community of adults with disabilities and their families. This program affords the opportunity to deliver Saturday services when families may need the most help.

“Caring for families with disabled adult children is something government has forgotten about. The creation of this respite care program will provide some relief to families and individual caregivers, and it is the first step that LHE is taking to help caregivers,” said Jeffrey Lewis, president and CEO of Legacy Health Endowment.

To reserve space in the UCP Adult Disabled Respite Care Program, call (209) 577-2122, extension 110. Intake paperwork for non-UCP participants is needed before attending. Drop-ins are available during program hours for a fee of $5. Water is provided. Lunch and snacks are not provided due to individual dietary restrictions. Staff will be available to feed and provide personal care to participants if required. Participants are encouraged to bring food and beverages.