JUDSON CENTER’S SERVICES EMPOWER CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

National observance in March raises awareness and promotes inclusion

Farmington Hills, MI – March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to recognize the contributions of people with developmental disabilities, raise awareness of the challenges they face, and promote inclusion in our communities.  

For more than 40 years, the non-profit human services agency Judson Center has been caring for children and adults with disabilities.

The agency’s respite care for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) and physical limitations provides a “home away from home” for children and teens ages 6 to 17 with autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and Down syndrome, and other IDDS. They can stay anywhere from one night to a few weeks at Judson Center’s Lahser Children’s Respite Home in Beverly Hills, Michigan. It’s the only respite home of its kind in Oakland, Macomb, Wayne and Washtenaw counties.

“Respite care for parents and caregivers of children with special needs is extremely important,” said Judson Center President and CEO Lenora Hardy-Foster.  “We can provide them with an opportunity for a well-deserved break to renew, recharge and reconnect with family and friends. Meanwhile, their children are receiving individualized and specialized care from our well-trained staff. The kids take part in skill-building activities and interact with their peers during their stay at our Lahser Respite Home.”

For adults with disabilities, Judson Center offers vocational services to prepare them for work opportunities. Clients receive skills training, employment placement and on-the-job coaching.    

“Everyone deserves a life of dignity, purpose and inclusion,” said Judson Center Chief Operating Officer Susan Salhaney. “Everyone wins when people with disabilities are successfully employed. Our clients discover their gifts, passions and potential. They take pride in earning a living and being valuable members of the workforce. Employers gain motivated workers and create more inclusive businesses and communities.”

For more information on Judson Center’s Lahser Children’s Respite Home, or to take a tour, call 248.646.1297.  For details on Judson Center’s Disability Vocational Services, call 248.837.2079. Information on both programs is available at www.judsoncenter.org.

See examples of Judson Center’s success stories here:

• Respite Care for Children with Disabilities: https://care.judsoncenter.org/disability/garrynsstory/
  
• Vocational Services for Adults with Disabilities: https://judsoncenter.org/blog/deontaes-journey-vocational-services-for-adults-with-disabilities/

About Judson Center
Judson Center, trusted by Michigan families for more than 100 years, is a non-profit human service agency providing expert, comprehensive services that strengthen children, adults and families impacted by abuse and neglect, autism, and developmental, behavioral and physical health challenges so they can achieve whole health, well-being, and maximum potential. Since opening its doors in 1924, Judson Center has grown to change the lives of more than 13,000 children, adults, and families each year. Judson Center has offices in Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, Wayne, Genesee, and Jackson counties. Judson Center’s headquarters are located at 30301 Northwestern Highway, Suite 100, Farmington Hills, MI 48334-3277. Learn more at www.judsoncenter.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Daphne Hughes, Hughes Creative, LLC
248.417.4309, daphne@hughescreativellc.com

Scott Trudell, Chief Development Officer, Judson Center
313.283.1055, Scott_Trudell@JudsonCenter.org