Respite House Fundraiser

Respite House Presentation

Thank you Mike and Kristin for sharing such an amazing platform of empowering families. I am Jennifer Murpy the Executive Director of Murphy Mentoring Group and The Respite House of Marion County. I am so excited to be here today. I want to share a quick story with you, This is Malachi and my handsome husband of 16 years, Dedrick. Malachi is a 12 year old autistic boy who loves arts and crafts, animals, sports, but most of all he loves his family, especially his baby sister who he calls his “little mom”, What you don’t see in this picture in the single mom working hard, day in and day out to provide for malachi and his siblings. You don’t see the sleepless nights, and the countless hours spent to ensure her child with emotional disabilities is healthy supported and safe. We all love our children, but imagine a life where daily task such a trip to the grocery store, or a doctor’s visit becoming a living, breathing nightmare all because your child’s inabilty to regulate his own emotions especially in certain environments. And it’s not his fault, it’s not the mom’s fault but of course the constant stares say othterwise. This is the reality of not only Malachi’s family but maybe some of you, your neighbors, your friends. Families all across the country can relate to this narrative. Why is this important? Well, I share this because we would’nt have had the privelage of meeting malachi if it had not been for the work we’re doing in the community. Murphy Mentoring Group has provided youth and family services for over 14 years. All of our programs are focused on identifying and addressing social and emotional needs of children. We offer one to one, group and peer mentoring, habilitation, skills development, respite care, and parent education. We absolutely love the work that wee do because it allows us to connect to families and restore hope. It is always our mission to meet families where they are and bring them into a place of balance and peace. Families are our passion! In all the work we’ve done over the past 14 years we realize there’s still more we want to do. In 2 weeks we are opening the Respite House of Marion County to provide high-fidelity respite care for parents and caregivers of children with developmental disabilities and/or behavior challenges. We know what these families are experiencing is overwhelming at times and we want to serve them on a deeper and more meaningful level. Parents and Caregivers, like those of you listening deserve an opportunity to go on a vacation, to reset and recharge so that you can be more equipped to navigate this journey of life. We already know from previous work we’ve done that famiies who participate in ongoing respite care services experience 1-Reduced stress, 2-more quality time with other loved ones, and 3- increased opportunities for self-care. Now, how many families do you know, even if it’s yourself that could benefit fom a resource like this? We understand the value that we bring to the table. And the best part of this, we are not limiited to Marion County only, we serve all 92 counties and those willing to travel. Again, a valuable resouce. As a nonprofit we are always looking to partner and come along side those who are also passionate about making a difference in the lives of unique and exceptional children. We are doing the heavy lifting, but we cannot do it alone. You know the saying “it takes a village to raise a child” it’s definitely true. You are our village. Right now, today you can participate in something bigger than yourself. We want you to use your resources and influence to impact the families we serve. In the virtual lobby you will find information on how to support The Respite House. The money raised today will be used to provide meals, clothing, and educational supplies for our children. This cause is so important to me, because like Malachi’s story I have a sister raising an autistic son and I’ve seen the tears, the frustration, the fatigue and at times the hopelessness. How much better could her life be with this resource?

The answer to many parents and caregivers problem of fatigue and frustration is here, through the Respite House. Malachi continues to learn new skills every day, and his mom has been able to gain momentum in areas that appeared out of reach before our services. The Respite House will give this mom and many more families the support necessary to improve their quality of life for years to come.

As I close, I want to offer each person that donates today or visits the website and click the contact us link at the bottom of the page a free gift! That’s right “Free.99” 9 Tips to Transform Your Interactions with a Special Needs Child” you don’t want to miss out on this amazing resource. Go to murphymentoring.org, Click donate, or contact us complete the form and we will email the free gift.

Again, we need your help to impact these families in a tangible way. If you have questions or want to hear more about what we are doing. Please visit our website that is murphymentoring.org or send me a message at [e-mail]

Thank you so much Kristin and Mike and the Honestly Adoption Company family for allowing me to share a piece of my passion today. We all have a role to play in improving the world around us.