It’s personal - and you may not even realize it.
Nationally, about 1 in 4 families have a child at home with a developmental disability, mental/behavioral health challenge or a chronic medical condition. These children often need specialized learning plans in school while some have a complex trauma history as part of their story. They are your neighbors, your co-workers, your friends or your family.
As you know, Pause for Parents, Play for Kids is a nonprofit organization providing rest, support, connection and fun to families with extra needs to build resilience and increase hope. By giving families space to share their story and use their voice, Pause serves as the bridge to stronger relationships, better outcomes and more inclusive communities.
You are invited to help us change the trajectory for special needs families at our annual fundraising gala event - It’s Personal on Saturday, October 22.
We are turning the traditional gala on its head to bring fun and inspiration in a different way - we can’t wait for you to be a part of it!
Why does your “yes” matter?
Special needs parents can spend an additional 35-40 hours a week in care alone of a child with complex needs. Most suffer from physical fatigue, emotional stress and/or emotional upset or guilt.
Respite is a preventive strategy that strengthens families, protects family health and wellbeing, decreases feelings of isolation and improves the family’s ability to cope with daily responsibilities.
Respite can: allow individuals to remain in their own home, prevent costly out-of-home placements, keep all family members safe & stable, and preserve family unity by decreasing pressures that might lead to abuse/neglect, institutionalization and divorce.
We know Pause is changing the story.
When engaged in the events and support Pause provides, 87% of families have increased family functioning and resilience (their ability to navigate difficulty) and 95% have increased social support. The services Pause provides families are FREE because of people like you. Last year, Pause supported 235 families and 585 children and we are adding to that number daily.
“This is the only place we have ever really felt we belonged and felt heard, loved and not judged. You can feel the realness and rawness of the kindness, compassion and serving hearts of all staff and volunteers. It really does take a village and this is “THE VILLAGE.” - Pause mom
We are proactively seeking your sponsorship commitment to help Pause continue to support families this coming year.
Opportunities include platinum, gold or silver level sponsorship, table hosts, donations for our silent auction AND opportunities to volunteer!
Volunteer opportunities include: welcoming guests, helping the Pause story come to life in the gallery, decorating unsponsored tables, helping to secure & create silent auction basket donations, serving our guests food and drinks, helping guests cash out for the night and cleaning up after the gala resetting rooms. AKA - a place for everyone to get involved!
