Easter Seals Regional Headquarters
1420 Spring St, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Telephone: 301-588-8700
CATEGORY: Public Buildings and Community Services
Family Friends Respite Program
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Inter-Generational Center
Easter Seals’ intergenerational Family Friends Respite Program brings children, seniors and families together for mutual benefit. The Family Friends Respite network of senior volunteers provides a range of supports for families who have children with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses.
Through funding from Montgomery County and the Administration on Aging, Easter Seals trains volunteers to serve as in-home mentors, provide childcare during support group meetings or parent trainings, assist with community presentations and marketing, or support the program using their own distinctive skills and expertise. Volunteers enjoy the satisfaction that comes from giving their time and energy, and often form lasting relationships with families and other volunteers.
Easter Seals matches in-home mentors with a family living in their community. These invaluable volunteers spend a few hours per week playing, reading, or simply sharing time with a child in need of additional support. These regular visits also allow parents an opportunity to catch up on household chores or spend time with other family members, or simply take a much-needed rest.
Family Friends brought Ginny, a volunteer, together with Julie and her twins with autism, William and Elizabeth. Julie’s constant caretaking responsibilities left her feeling overwhelmed, overextended, and socially isolated. The program recruited, trained, and supported Ginny, who now spends a few hours each week playing, reading, and building skills with the children. The visits give Julie a much-needed opportunity to complete household tasks or just take time for herself.
The family developed a deep fondness for Ginny. They also appreciate her willingness to lend an ear or a hand wherever necessary in the home, at school, or in the doctor’s office. Ginny beams when she speaks of the children, their accomplishments, and her close relationship with them. “Elizabeth and William are like my own grandchildren now,” she says. “We are ‘Family Friends’ for life!”
To view this interactive map, please follow the link below to install adobe flash player.
Nearby Restaurants & Dining:
- David's Cafe (581 feet NE)
- Oh's Cafeteria (635 feet SE)
- Silver Spring Deli, Beer and Wine (815 feet NE)
- Cameron's Seafood (911 feet W)
- Pizza Hut (971 feet W)
- River City Grille (1029 feet NE)
Nearby Shopping and Services:
- Easter Seals Child Development Center (23 feet NE)
- Minuteman Press (393 feet SE)
- Law offices/Abogados (414 feet SE)
Nearby Arts & Entertainment:
- Montgomery County Historic Preservation Comm (157 feet NE)
- Silver Spring Town Center, Inc (368 feet NE)
- Docs in Progress (562 feet E)
Nearby Parking:
- Cameron-Second (Garage 7) (973 feet SE)
- Spring - Cameron Parking Lot (0.23 miles NE)
Nearby VanGo Stops:
- Van Go: Second Avenue @ Spring Street (149 feet SW)
- Van Go: Spring Street between 16th & Second Ave (379 feet SW)
Nearby Public Transportation:
- Silver Spring Metro Station (0.31 miles SE)