for people like William My name is William and I have been supported by a worker from Mary Centre for the past two years. We get together every Wednesday in the afternoon we go to the library where I work on the computer and go on the Internet and check my face book for messages from family and friends and check my e-mail for messages from family and friends. My family and friends are in the United States, Canada and Portugal and it makes me feel happy. After the library we go for coffee and mall walk and sometimes in nice weather go for a walk outside. Some of the other things I do in my life are: On Monday, I go to University where I take Community on Campus. Community on Campus is a special program run by U of T Erindale Campus and Community Living. I participate in different activities such as in the morning, a volunteer and I go for coffee and talk and then I work on math, followed by time on the computer. After lunch, I workout on exercise equipment, and also take classes such as "Introduction to philosophy" and "Introduction to Anthropology". On Tuesday, Thursday and Friday I go to the base site which is run by community living. When I finish University my goal is to get a job. by William Pais

Respite

Respite helps to reduce stress and improve the physical and emotional health of families caring for an individual with a developmental challenge. This is why Mary Centre offers short-term respite to caregivers while providing support and supervision to those for whom they care.

Respite gives family members and other caregivers a short-term, temporary break from the daily routine of caregiving to sustain their own health and well-being. Time to take a vacation or just a few hours off. Time to attend to the needs of other family members. And, sometimes, a temporary haven in times of family crisis or ill health.

Mary Centre offers two choices of respite support.

In-home support enables developmentally challenged adults to stay in their own homes with the support of a respite care worker for a few hours each week. We match a trained staff member to the needs of the family and the personality and skills of the individual they will support. Together, they create a plan that works for everyone involved. This may range from developing social and life skills, such as problem solving or learning how to use public transportation, to participating in social and recreational activities, such as dancing or swimming.

Mary Centre also offers out-of-home residential respite at St. Bernard's Residence in North York.

St. Bernard's Residential respite provides 24 hours of out-of-home respite care 7 days a week. This program offers 5 beds to individuals who are currently living at home or with caregivers. The focus of this program is to provide opportunities for individuals to develop new skills, and build new relationships that will enhance their quality of life.

For more information about respite, please contact Tracey Berman, (416) 630-5533, ext 222.