This story originally appeared in SOAR365โs Summer 2026 NEWZ.ย Click here to view a digital version of theย newsletter.
How Respite gave one family rest, renewal, and room to grow.
Nick is a fighter, and so is his mother, Margarete. From an early age, Nick received early intervention services, including occupational, physical, and speech therapy. His mother, a school social worker, has supported him in school and beyond. Margarete states, โMy husband and I have been fighting for him his whole life to open up opportunities and experiences.โ
Margarete pushed for inclusion when Nick โwas very isolatedโ in school. She continued advocating through surgeries, hospital stays, and hard-to-diagnose illnesses. โIt was a labor of love,โ she says. โWe were constantly taking care of him.โ She and her husband, Kevin, divided responsibilities โ Kevin managing appointments and therapies, Margarete handling educational and medical advocacy. โWe were really exhausted and needed time for ourselves.โ
When Nick was approved for SOAR365โs Respite program, everything changed.
โIt was amazing for the first time in ages to just be alone in our home,โ Margarete says. โThe first weekend, we just worked in the garden. We didnโt even go anywhere.โ She laughs remembering how she had to remind herself: โI donโt have to give Nick a shower. We donโt have to make him dinner or take him to the bathroom.โ
Like all parents, Margarete and Kevin adore their son. But like all parents, they need time to recharge. โWe went to dinner, and it was lovely โ absolutely lovely,โ she says. โWhen Nick is at Camp Baker, Iโm not the doctor or the nurse or the therapist. I can just be myself. That is an amazing feeling.โ
Respite benefits Nick, too. Spending time with friends helps him build confidence and independence. Heโs learning to advocate for himself, adjust to new expectations, and enjoy experiences outside his usual routines. โItโs really good for him to be with his peers and hear their stories,โ Margarete says.
At 21, Nick is thinking about his future. Heโs enrolled in SOAR365โs Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) program and eager to work. โHe wants to contribute,โ Margarete says proudly. With an interest in technology and radio broadcasting, Nick has explored local festivals, museums, and even toured local news stations and VPM. โHe is engaged and excited for the opportunities he is presented with,โ says his job coach.
Margarete only wishes she had found Respite sooner. โTo have one weekend off a month โ not once a year or every five years โ you can breathe again,โ she says. And that breathing room is making all the difference for their whole family.
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