Dear Friend of KidsTLC,
Throughout the past 22 years, I have had the privilege of building impactful partnerships with those in the community who believe in the mission of KidsTLC. Whether a single volunteer, a large corporation or another non-profit agency, partnership has always been key to providing the most beneficial therapeutic experience for the children and families we serve. These partnerships make possible once in a lifetime experiences for kids, as well as support the everyday therapeutic work that happens with families on KidsTLC’s campus. Providing more than 9,000 volunteer hours each year, our community partners bring essential resources to our programs and create opportunities for “kids to be kids” while in the safety of our care.
In February of this year, KidsTLC was approached by the Kansas Department of Aging and Disabilities (KDADS) with an opportunity to partner through grant funding with local community health centers to begin providing respite services for youth in our community. I am excited to share with you that KidsTLC said “yes” to this opportunity, and the path has been laid toward launching our newest program: THRIVE Planned Respite. As KidsTLC’s Sr. Director of Thriving Communities, it was easy to see that this needed to be KidsTLC’s next vital community partnership, and I have been honored to be a part of it.
Respite…rest, break, breathing space, interval, intermission. These synonyms all imply working hard, not giving up, pausing but not ending. KidsTLC’s THRIVE program is just that — a break for families, caregivers and kids who are working hard to live in the community while experiencing significant mental and behavioral health challenges. THRIVE is a valuable partnership with local mental health centers as we all work toward the goal of helping families maintain their own children at home. This collaboration aims to reduce the need for higher levels of care and expensive long-term residential stays through short, two-to-three day respite visits to KidsTLC’s campus.
Here we are nearly eight months later, ready for kids to walk through the doors of THRIVE and become immersed in KidsTLC’s safe, therapeutic community. This month, we will welcome youth to spend a weekend with us as they explore activities in our recreation spaces, shoot hoops in the “yard,” and snuggle up in freshly made beds. Most importantly, we will become a support system as youth work through their most significant challenges and build the skills that will allow them to be successful when they return home. Additionally, a THRIVE family support specialist will work with parents and caregivers to ensure the most critical supports are in place at home including healthcare navigation, community resources and self-care tools. Just as a flight crew says when we board a plane, “Put on your own oxygen mask before helping others around you.”
Every day, I witness the hard work, struggles and successes of the those served by KidsTLC, and this new partnership is a chance to add to the list of successes for children and their families. Building the THRIVE program has allowed current KidsTLC employees to set a new course as well as welcomed new employees to join the KidsTLC team. As we continue to grow services to meet critical needs in our community, we are continuously grateful that YOU are a part of our story. Your support makes our work possible.
Thank you for helping give our children and their families a brighter, healthier future!
Elizabeth Hall
Sr. Director of Thriving Communities