Calling All Families and Care Coordinators: Registration is open for this Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Respite Program in Gates, NY, open to OPWDD eligible people ages 11-21.

This People Inc. Respite Program provides a safe and fun environment while Parents/Guardians are at work, attending appointments, running errands or taking some time to relax.

People who participate in the program will engage in daily activities, including but not limited to: Card/Board games, Nintendo Wii, movies, bean bag toss, ladder ball, outdoor games in a grassy area and basketball. Making the most of the summer, participants will be going to such places as: Movies, ice cream, The Garden Factory, mini golf and shopping trips. People Inc. also has a membership with the nonprofit farm Homesteads for Hope, where program attendees can plant/maintain a vegetable garden, go fishing on the Erie Canal and participate in educational farm-related activities.

Martin the Standard Poodle is the program’s resident canine and is a certified therapy dog trained to help the participants relax when they are having a tough day.

Please note: The agency is not able to provide transportation to or from the 1860 Buffalo Road location in Gates.

Advance registration is required. Families can request that their Service Coordinator contact People Inc. Admissions at admissions@people-inc.org or 585.441.9300. For information on the program, contact us at 585.719.3413.