For families with special needs children, Saturday night is just another night to keep an eagle eye on their special child. While other couples are giving instructions to sitters so they can make thier way to dinner, galas, movies or other fun date night activities Moms and Dads with special needs children are counting the minutes when a sleeping child becomes their only respite opportunity.
"We've been in this position," says Danielle Dorman-Chapa, a Melissa Rotary member and mother of a special needs child. "You just can't call anyone to come in and watch your child with special needs."
It's not that special needs children require that much more than any other child. They just require an eagle eye, one-on-one caring scenario. Many sitters just can't provide that service especially if there are siblings involved.
"Our family has been involved with the Highland Park United Methodist Churches Night Owls Program since our son was three years old," Dorman-Chapa said. "This program is a place where special needs families can take all their children who get one-on-one adult attention and interaction."
Families with special needs children have divorce rates of between 85 to 90 percent. This can be attributed to the high focus the family must give to their special needs child. (Link to research)
"Having a special needs child presents challenges for everyone in the family," Dorman-Chapa said. "Respite is a necessary and needed break to let mom, dad and siblings catch their breath."
"Our children love going to Night Owls and we will miss it when Ian ages out of the program but this ministry has meant so much to our entire family," Dorman-Chapa said. "My husband and I thought this would be a great service project that our Rotary Club could offer to the North Collin County families that are are struggling to keep their heads above water."
The Kids Our Kids program will rely on volunteers from the Melissa Rotary Club and will be held at Mudpies and Lullabies Creative Preschool.
For more information on how you can become a volunteer, participating family or if you can make a donation email melissarotary@gmail.com or call J.J. Chapa at 972-254-2011. A donation link can also be found on this website.
