Meet March’s Featured Respite Provider: Marsha Shugrue
Respite Providers are a vital part of caring for children and youth aged birth to 18 experiencing behavioral, emotional, medical, and/or physical challenges. This program is designed to meet specific individual and family needs while maintaining collaboration with other service providers and legal guardians. This valuable service provides families of special needs children the opportunity to balance the many challenges of life. The breaks provided allow family members time to meet their other vital family needs. Providers can be couples, single persons, or families.
As part of an ongoing series, FCC would like to introduce you to March’s featured provider, Marsha Shugrue!
We asked her a few questions about her experience with the respite program:
How long have you been a respite provider?
I have been a respite provider for about a year now.
What made you want to apply to be a respite provider?
When our neighbor boy, who’s also best friends with our son, needed extra support, we knew we wanted to help. It felt like a natural extension of the bond we already shared. We love that we can be a steady presence for him and that it gives his family some well-needed time to recharge. Knowing that our home is a place of safety, fun, and support is truly fulfilling.
What is your favorite part of being a respite provider?
The best part is seeing how much our time together brings confidence and well-being to our neighbor boy. My husband and I both love being able to provide not only care but also positive male influence through activities that are meaningful and fun.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
When we get the chance, we enjoy being outside—whether it’s hiking, biking, or camping. We value family time, so we often do something as a group, like cooking together, watching movies, or simply enjoying each other’s company. We also love going to the Ren faire and Halloween and dressing up for both. It’s the little moments that bring the most joy.
You can help support children and parents by becoming a respite provider today. For more information please contact Kelli Degenhardt at (608) 668-2229 or kdegenhardt@fccnetwork.org.
Learn more about FCC’s community respite program here: https://www.fcconline.org/service/community-respite/.
View more provider highlights from May 2023, June 2023, July 2023, August 2023, September 2023, October 2023, November 2023, February 2024, March 2024, April 2024, May 2024, October 2024, December 2024, January 2025 and February 2025.
