Respite, A Lifeline for Parents

Respite is a Lifeline for Parents

What Is Respite at OFSN? A Lifeline for Families

At Oregon Family Support Network (OFSN), we know that parenting a child with significant behavioral, emotional, or mental health challenges can be overwhelming. Many families give their all every single day—but even the most devoted caregiver needs a break. That’s where respite comes in.

Respite is more than just a break.
It’s intentional time for caregivers to step away, recharge, and care for their own well-being. At OFSN, respite is about offering families relief from the demands of caregiving in a way that is respectful, flexible, and rooted in trust.

Whether it’s an afternoon or evening to run errands, a quiet moment to rest, or a few hours to connect with friends or support networks, respite helps caregivers breathe—and that breathing room makes a big difference. It can reduce stress, prevent burnout, and even improve the whole family’s ability to thrive.

How does OFSN provide respite?
At OFSN, depending on where you live, we offer Parents Night Out Respite or Parents Afternoon Out Respite. In Lane County (Eugene), Oregon, we offer a two-hour respite evening on the last Wednesday of each month. In Marion County (Salem), we offer a two-hour break in the afternoon on the third Saturday of the month. In Yamhill County, we currently offer two two-hour respite  evenings in McMinnville on the first and third Tuesday of each month. No matter which of these best serves you, we invite you to bring your children for individualized quality care while you get the relief you need.

We believe that respite is a right, not a luxury. Every caregiver deserves support, and every family deserves the opportunity to restore and renew.

If you’re a parent or caregiver feeling stretched thin, we see you—and we’re here. Learn more about how OFSN can help with respite by connecting visiting our website.