The Respite Center is entering our 10th year. The 200 Foundation was one of our first and has been one of our most consistent supporters. The Respite Center has become a home away from home for children and adults with disabilities, a place that offers parents time off from the emotional and physical care needed by their children. Sharon Lisnow and Mary
McQueeney, special education teachers, began working toward fulfilling the dream of The Respite Center in 1994, when they were given a parcel of land in Hopkinton on which they built a 6000 square foot home. Due to the generosity of community businesses, foundations and individuals who shared the dream the home opened free of debt in 1997.

Sharon’s son, Michael, who was born 16 weeks premature, weighing just one pound, is the inspiration for the Center. Michael’s premature birth caused him to have cerebral palsy and caused blindness. Michael lived for ten wonderful yet difficult years. He died one year shy of the opening of the center. We all know the standard of the Center is that if it wouldn’t be good enough for Michael it isn’t good enough. When we opened we served only four children. This last year we were able to provide over 70,000 hours of respite for over 140 families. We offer weekend and overnight care, medical daycare for infants, after school programs, adult day and employment programs. This year we added summer camping programs and opened our fourth group home. We were awarded the rating of "Distinction” from our State quality audit for the sixth year in a row. Ninety-two percent of every dollar raised is spent on direct care. Our goal is to continue to increase respite and support services for families trying to survive the difficulties of raising a child with significant disabilities.

The 200 Foundation has supported the Respite Scholarship fund each year. This fund has allowed us to offer many families services at no or reduced costs. Families apply for this program annually and are allocated a number of hours or overnights each month. If not for our scholarship program we would not be able to support these families.