The Family Support Department at Sunshine offers a variety of programs and services for families caring for a loved one with developmental disabilities at home including:

Family Support Services Program
Family Intervention Services Program
Crisis Intervention Program
Respite House
Respite Suite
Weekend Respite Program

Family Support Services Program

This program provides financial support to Lucas County families caring for a child or adult with mental retardation or another developmental disability at home. Families can receive reimbursement for specific services related to the care of their loved one.

The program is funded by the state of Ohio with supplemental money from the Lucas County Board of MR/DD and the Sunshine Auxiliary. The Lucas County Board contracts with Sunshine to administer the program.

The program funds five major categories of services including respite care, adaptive equipment, home modifications, counseling/training/education, and special dietary items. Families can enroll in the program by calling the Family and Community Support Department at the Lucas County Board of MR/DD at 419-381-8320.


Family Intervention Services Program

This program is designed to keep families together and to promote family harmony by assisting the family unit in dealing with difficult situations. The main focus is to provide families with services to help stabilize their lives and assist them in managing difficult behaviors in their child(ren). An intervention specialist visits the home one or more times a week for as long as support is needed.

This is a joint project of Sunshine and the Lucas County Board of MR/DD. Participants must be under the age of 22 and eligible for Board services. Referrals are made by the case managers at the Lucas County Board of MR/DD.


Crisis Intervention Program

The purpose of this program is to stabilize adults who are in crisis and who are living with their families or in a residential setting. The goal is to maintain the present placement and/or assist the family with a difficult or stressful situation.

This is a joint project of Sunshine and the Lucas County Board of MR/DD. Participants must be over the age of 22 and eligible for Board services. Referrals are made by the case managers at the Lucas County Board of MR/DD.


Respite House

Lucas County residents who are caring for a loved one with disabilities at home and who need overnight respite care can utilize Sunshine’s respite house. This three-bedroom ranch home on Sunshine’s grounds allows families to place their loved one for stays of one night to two weeks. Meals, transportation to day programs and structured activities are provided. Families must be registered with the Family Support Service Program and have a case manager to qualify. Advance reservations are required.


Respite Suite

Families throughout Northwest Ohio can utilize the four-bed respite suite located inside Sunshine’s Children’s Home. Medically fragile guests have access to 24-hour nursing and all the other services provided at an ICF/MR facility. Services are funded through Level 1 waivers from the Ohio Department of MR/DD. Families must have a case manager to use these services. Advance reservations are required and emergencies can sometimes be accommodated.


Weekend Respite Program

Community Recreation is a weekend recreation and respite program for individuals ages six and up with developmental disabilities. “Community Rec” meets at the new multi-purpose building on Sunshine’s main campus. The program gives parents and guardians a break from daily care giving while participants enjoy fun activities and interaction with their peers.

The Friday night program is for young adults and runs from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Activities include bowling, movies, eating out, attending ball games and many other activities. The Saturday program runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is for both children and adults. Participants enjoy swimming, arts and crafts, barbeques, and visits to the zoo.

Families can utilize Family Support Services funds or pay privately. Sunshine’s specially trained staff supervises all activities. Individualized programs can be created as needed.