Pause offers families of children with physical, mental, developmental, medical, behavioral and/or learning challenges, access to a broad range of support options by catalyzing local communities to serve. The mission of Pause is to walk alongside families and provide consistent support that is unique to their needs while also partnering with them to grow their natural support system. On the current menu of options, Pause provides: Parent’s Night Out (respite), free Family Fun Days, Community Connections (events to help caregivers build community), and Family Connections (resourcing families’ tangible needs). We define special needs broadly and will provide support to families who have children ages 0-22 y with any type of physical, mental, developmental, medical, behavioral and/or learning challenges.

For our Parent’s Night Out respite events, we take children as young as 3 months old at some locations and currently all of our locations are accepting siblings as well. How do I enroll? Caregivers will need to complete a one-time Family Enrollment packet which includes enrollment for the eligible child. Sibling packets are required for all other children living in the household. Once received, families will receive a quick 12-minute online tool (paper form available as well) called the Family Journey Map which helps our team see where we can be of the most help. Once this step is completed, families will only need to register for the specific events they would like to attend or be a part of. All forms can be found on our website and submitted to PauseIntake@bcesc.org.