The Respite Program grants temporary relief to families and caretakers of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Respites are done in households that have been thoroughly inspected and meet all agency standards. Respite is often thought of as a mini vacation for the VIP receiving respite and a break for their family or caretaker to attend to personal needs, medical needs, work demands, or simply take a vacation of their own. Respites are often waiver funded or can be done through private pay.
Respite and Lifesharing are two separate services – respite being short term and lifesharing targeted as being a long term residential option. Individuals or families interested in becoming a respite or lifesharing provider may apply for one or both services.
Respite Families & Individuals
Respite Providers differ with a variety of lifestyles. They range in diversity from a single person or parent to families and couples who live in a house or apartment.
Support
A dedicated C.A.R.E.S. Coordinator is assigned to each VIP and Provider(s) as well as their family members to provide continuous support. C.A.R.E.S. also offers a 24/7 on call support line.
Locations and Contacts
Lifesharing Main Office
105 West Broad Street, Suite 200
Tamaqua, PA 18252
Phone: (570) 225-7360
Senior Lifesharing Coordinator - Crystal Fegley: cfegley@cares4u.org
Lifesharing Lehigh Valley
535 West Emaus Avenue
Allentown, PA 18103
Phone: (610) 797-2059
Senior Lifesharing Coordinator - Bruce Bendik: bbendik@cares4u.org
Lifesharing Main Office
216 North McAllister Street
Bellefonte, PA 16823
Phone: (570) 225-5514
Regional Director - Monica Miller: mmiller@cares4u.org
Lifesharing Main Office
225 Crowe Avenue
Mars, PA 16046
Phone: (724) 687-7880
Lifesharing and Administrative Services - Kelsea Perfilio: kperfilio@cares4u.org
Apply to be a provider today! Download an application here.