Thanks to generous grants from Birmingham Country Club and Red Run Golf Club, Judson Center’s Lahser Children’s Respite Home has been able to continue offering vital support to children with developmental disabilities and their families. This funding provided meaningful respite care over the past year, and Judson Center is pleased to share the following update as part of their final report.
Lahser is the only children’s respite home in metro Detroit, serving children with developmental disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, ADHD, and cognitive impairments. Many of these children also have medical complexities requiring specialized care. The respite home provides temporary relief to families and guardians overwhelmed by the demands of caregiving, offering compassionate and individualized support in a fully barrier-free environment.
Over the past six months, 25 families received 311 nights of respite care at Lahser. The program anticipates delivering an additional 350 nights of care by November 2025. Children at Lahser are given opportunities to experience life outside their home in a safe, supportive setting, building social connections and enjoying recreational activities, all under the guidance of trained and caring staff.
One young person currently benefiting from the program is 12-year-old Garryn, who has Down syndrome. Her mother was introduced to Lahser in 2020, seeking a place where Garryn could make friends and meet other children like her. Garryn quickly felt at home during her first visit, chatting with staff and showing curiosity about the other children. Now, she visits Lahser twice a month, where she enjoys familiar routines like watching Boss Baby, eating her favorite meal – chicken and fries – and participating in outings with staff. Her bright smile when she arrives is a testament to how much she enjoys her time there. For Garryn’s mom, Lahser is a trusted place of support, offering much-needed rest and peace of mind, knowing her daughter is safe, nurtured, and happy.
Eagles for Children’s support has directly helped make stories like Garryn’s possible. The Judson Center and the families it serves are deeply grateful for the continued generosity that allows Lahser Children’s Respite Home to be a place of joy, care, and community for the kids.
