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Mary Cariola Children’s Center unveils new therapeutic respite program for youth

Mary Cariola Children's Center has helped thousands of developmentally and medically challenged children and their families since opening its doors in 1949.

Now, according to Karen Zandi, the agency’s president, a new therapeutic respite program will allow the center to better serve youth with severe behavioral issues and their families.

“It's a very innovative program where we go into a family's home for a period of time, engage with them, and help assess what's the most challenging circumstance for them,” Zandi said.

An individual will then begin a series of week-long stays at Mary Cariola’s group home on Bailey Road. Residential staff will provide structured routines and skill-building exercises, while family members who care for their children at home get a break.

“Families are able to reconnect themselves, spend some time with their other children that haven't been prioritized, really strengthen themselves as a family,” Zandi said.

At a grand opening event Friday, officials said it took a little over a year to complete the renovations.

About a dozen families are already enrolled in the program, with four having stayed the night in the new respite beds. It can accommodate a maximum of 16 youths.

Zandi said the feedback received from parents has been positive.

"One of our parents shared some of her successes that her son needed three people to go out into the community, and she took him by herself the other day to the grocery store,” Zandi said, “Another mom that I saw the other day, she       just kept hugging me."

A $400,000 state grant helped support the expansion.

Mary Cariola Children's Center typically serves youth from preschool up to the age of 21. 

This story was produced by WXXI’s Inclusion Desk, focusing on disabilities and inclusion.

Sasha-Ann Simons joined the team at WXXI News in 2015 as a Multimedia Reporter/Producer. She tells stories about the innovation economy and technology in upstate New York and also does general assignment reporting. Sasha-Ann is the host of Arts InFocus, WXXI-TV's weekly arts and culture program. She is also a fill-in host and regular contributor to Need To Know.