Volunteers Needed as Clearbrook Launches Take a Break in the Afternoon Program at NEDSRA; Provides Respite Care for Families with Special Needs Children

Clearbrook — the Arlington Heights, Ill.-based nonprofit organization providing innovative opportunities for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities — has announced that it is expanding its Take a Break in the Afternoon Program into DuPage County. The only program in the state to utilize trained volunteers as respite caregivers, Take a Break in the Afternoon assists families at an overwhelming point in their lives to reduce stress, allow rest and relaxation, and reduce feelings of despair and isolation.

Here are details about DuPage County’s new Take a Break in the Afternoon program:

WHAT A drop off program for special needs children up to the age of five, and their siblings (calling ahead to reserve a spot is required)

WHERE At the Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association’s (NESDRA) headquarters in Addison, 1770 W. Centennial Place

WHEN From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. usually on the third Saturday of every month starting Sept. 22 through December 2012 (2013 schedule to be released soon)

WHO Clearbrook and PACT, Inc. staff, as well as trained volunteers, supervise all activities, while creating a playful, safe and secure environment

HOW Take a Break in the Afternoon in Addison is made possible through a partnership with NEDSRA and PACT, Inc., a DuPage County nonprofit committed to helping people with disabilities live supported, engaged and meaningful lives.

In order for the DuPage drop off program to meet its mission to provide much needed respite for families, it will require support from a strong contingency of local volunteers. Their assistance allows parents to gain back precious time for each other, errands and activities that otherwise would not be possible

“Take a Break in the Afternoon simply doesn’t work without a committed group of volunteers from the community,” said Tina Yurik, Clearbrook’s Take a Break program coordinator. “My hope is that people will feel a call to action and realize how truly important this program is and the difference they can make through participating in it.”

Clearbrook’s Take a Break In-Home Program Launching

Also new to the DuPage area is the Take a Break in-home program, which provides four hours of support each week in the home to eligible families. Trained volunteers are carefully matched with families and their children to offer respite care. Comprehensive training includes 20 hours of interactive classroom and practical sessions, with CPR and first-aid instruction.

Volunteers are also needed to get Clearbrook’s Take Break in-home program launched in DuPage County.

Individuals with questions or who want to learn more about volunteer opportunities with Take a Break in the Afternoon and the Take a Break in-home program, should call Tina Yurik at (847) 392-2812 ext. 35 or e-mail her at tyurik@clearbrook.org. Information is also available on Clearbrook’s website at www.Clearbrook.org.

Clearbrook began the Take a Break Volunteer Program in 1998 to provide in-home support for families. In 2007, the organization launched Take a Break in the Afternoon in Cook County (Rolling Meadows), followed by Lake County (Waukegan) in 2010.

ABOUT CLEARBROOK
Based in Northern Illinois, Clearbrook was founded in 1955 and has since evolved into a recognized leader in the field of developmental disabilities. Today, Clearbrook creates innovative opportunities for approximately 3,400 children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities including autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy — as well as their families. Clearbrook provides personalized children’s, day training, employment, residential and clinical services at more than 45 locations throughout the Chicagoland-area.

In addition, Clearbrook is the largest provider of home-based services in the state of Illinois. Clearbrook employs more than 900 people and proudly reports that 85 percent of every dollar raised goes directly into programs and services. For more information, please visit clearbrook.org.