Healing Lives and hearts with healing hands

Just like many single-mothers facing the challenges of autism, Latoya recognizes that burnout is real.  She often feels like she is wearing many hats, one being the hat of an untrained nurse.  Massiah, Latoya's little warrior, requires specialized support for all his medical and developmental needs.  Respite care will provide mothers like Latoya with temporary relief.

The Problem

The increase prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a significant public health concern.  Caring for a child with ASD can be challenging, and, at time, exhausting.  Mothers of children with ASD, who tend to serve as the child’s primary caregiver, are less likely to work outside the home.  Thereby, increasing these mother’s probability of developing chronic stress.  Caregivers who are under stress are also more likely to have disrupted relationship and difficulty caring for their child. Consequently, this increased stress can put caregivers at risk for serious health issues, including depression.  Unfortunately, often times this increased stress can lead to parents abusing or neglecting their child.

Researchers have identified respite care as an important support service for caregivers of children with ASD  (Whitmore, 2016).  Hand in Hand is a residential respite care that gives the primary caregiver relief while providing short-term care for their ASD child.   We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to Delawareans who require or desire respite care. We also provide a private home environment coupled with positive rapport. More importantly, our goal is to service autistic children with respite care, providing an opportunity for caregivers to “recharge”.

Currently, there are very few operations in the community for autism residential respite care. The already high demand for respite is only expected to grow as demographic changes increase the need for and value of caregiving.  According to the Bell Policy Center (2018), barriers that prevent families from accessing respite care cost, restrictive eligibility criteria, waiting lists, limited or no respite options, accessibility, inadequate supply of trained providers, lack of information, feelings related to lack of trust of outside providers, or guilt.

The Solution

At Hand in Hand Respite Care Services, we believe families should have access to affordable respite care, because self-care allows you to better care for your loved ones.  We  offer planned, residential respite care to families who have children with autism and other disabilities.  We provide trained staff who ensure the safety and care of the children, activities that are are fun and appropriate, nutritious meals, a nurturing, comfortable environment and bedding.

Hand in Hand Respite Care Services is seeking startup funding for a residential respite care business.  The proposed business will be operated by a licensed Registered Nurse. There is a tremendous need to develop this type of business in the community to benefit families in need of “a break”.  This business endeavor involves a small-scale renovation of the residence, the purchase of furniture, administrative expenses, and educational supply cost. Future maintenance of the business will be possible through appropriations from state and governmental agencies, grants, and charitable campaigns. 

Where your money goes:

Small-scaled renovation and repairs

• A renovation is needed to parts of the basement to make it structurally safe.
• Repairs are needed to the fencing to ensure safety and security.

Purchase of furniture

• Indoor furniture/equipment (fire extinguishers, television, beds, dresser, etc.)
• Outdoor equipment (playground equipment, outdoor toys, lawn care, etc.)
• Kitchen equipment/supplies
• Office Furniture/supplies (chairs, desk, printer, etc.)

Administrative Expenses

• Delaware Registration/Licensing fees
• Insurance (hazard, liability)
• Legal Fees
• Business phone
• Employee/professional training

Educational Supplies

• Laptops
• Autism educational tools

About US

Tonika Johnson, the founder and owner of Hand in Hand has been working in the healthcare industry for over 23 years, advancing from certified nursing assistant to registered nurse.  Through her career  advancements, she has gained invaluable experience and knowledge, and has continued to demonstrate her passion for nursing through supplemental certifications.  As her passion to lend a helping hand grew, Tonika decided to  create a private, residential respite care facility to help families dealing with the challenges of raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder.   Carolyn Jones, a multi-business owner and board advisor is patiently about helping the business grow.  As the business expands, we will develop a culture of growth to help her employees perform better and become more productive.  We will be intentional about hiring employees whose personal values align with the mission and vision of the company.

The Rewards

Although we'd love for you to make a donation, we would be equally grateful for your purchase of our e-book.  For a small fee of $20, you will receive access to our e-book packed with family-friendly recipes.  Your generous donation will help us get one step closer to helping  families like Latoya and Massiah's. 

Thank you so much for partnering with us as we support families affected by autism.