Steven and Lori Condron recently became licensed respite providers after an informational meeting we did in partnership with The Crossing Church in Columbia around Easter. Since receiving their license this past summer, they have provided respite care to several foster families.
Steven and Lori shared that they have found a good balance of doing fun activities with children while they are providing respite, while also including them in their family’s planned schedule. They have included children in practices and soccer games, in addition to special outings at Skyzone or the Strikers bowling alley in Jefferson City.
They even included one of the children they were caring for in their daughter’s Homecoming dinner and photos!
“There are a lot of reasons to say no, but once you get that first hug, you’re like, Why haven’t we done this before now?” Steve shared. “At first, it seems really daunting, but the kids fit right into our family activities.”
Lori added, “I think people should just do it. I think a lot of hesitation is time, but you’re able to make it work. That’s the great thing about respite: you can say no, and it can be really flexible.”
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