Take a Break (TAB) is a program designed to relieve the stress of daily child rearing for parents and caregivers. TAB is held on the first three Fridays of the month from
6:15-9:00 p.m. for children 6 weeks to 10 years of age. The children are cared for in a safe and nurturing environment while their caregivers are able to take a much needed break for a a few hours to recharge. TAB operates on a generous sliding fee scale so that it is affordable to all of our families. On average, TAB provides care for 50 children each Friday evening. Activities include a nutritious meal and late evening snack, crafts, exercise time, dance classes, guest speakers, outside time if the weather permits, and story time. If you would like more information, please call (402) 434-3494 ext. 109 or email mmcinteer@ywcalincoln.org.
TAB's Impact
The primary objective of Take a Break is to reduce the family stress and in turn reduce abuse that may result. TAB also helps caregivers cope with the additional needs of their children with a physical or behavioral diagnosis. parents and guardians have parenting education opportunities through a monthly TAB newsletter, parenting workshops and informal feedback with TAB staff.
Another objective of TAB is to give kids a supportive environment where they can thrive and learn valuable skills. Activities for the children at TAB stress multi-cultural perspective in which children can learn and grow in an accepting and enriching environment. Age-appropriate activities recognize the many ranges of child development and are sensitive to children with special needs. Activities include arts and crafts projects to stimulate creative growth and enhance self-esteem, story time, dance, and cooperative group games. An evening meal that includes fresh fruit or vegetables is served family style and staff members stress proper meal manners and model conversation that gives every child a chance to participate and feel a sense of belonging to the group.
To Participate
Take a Break is a respite and child abuse prevention program that meets the first three Friday evenings of each month. TAB serves families in stressful situations by providing relief from the ongoing responsibilities of caring for loved ones in the home. Respite services are offered to parents, relatives, foster parents, adoptive parents, or guardians of children who:
- are experiencing some sort of crisis
- are at risk of abuse and neglect
- have experienced abuse and neglect
- have disabilities, or chronic/terminal illnesses
- have caregivers desperately in need of a break in order to prevent child abuse
TAB staff members are trained in caring for children with:
Autism, Asperger syndrome, developmentally delayed, ADHD, ODD, hearing and speaking impairments, language delays, mental illness, OCD, seizure disorder, bipolar disorder, and behavioral challenges. In addition TAB staff is also CPR and First Aid certified.
Take a Break would like to thank the following businesses for their generous donations to our program. Your support allows our program to grow.
