Meet October’s Featured Respite Provider: Dawn Tauscher
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 October’s featured provider, Dawn Tauscher!
Dawn has been a respite provider for four years with FCC. We asked her a few questions about her experience with the respite program:
What made you want to apply to be a respite provider?
After leaving my 17-year career as a special educator, I wanted to continue connecting with children and families, including the students on my caseload. After a few months, I realized the positive impact this service has—not only for the children but also for their families! Additionally, this experience allowed me to teach valuable skills to my own children as they played, engaged, and helped alongside me in providing care. Opening our home and life to families and fostering connections, along with the love that is reciprocated between my family and theirs, keeps us motivated to be providers.
What is your favorite part of being a respite provider?
There are so many aspects that I love, but ultimately, it’s about encompassing the children into my life as if they were my own. When we provide care, they become one unit with us; they participate in our traditions, experiences, family values, and expectations. I love watching them become independent, grow in their skills, and show me what it’s like to play and have fun again. I love hearing the ‘I missed you!’ when they get dropped off and receiving texts that say, ‘Can I come over today?’ These moments tell me that they find value in our time together just as much as I do.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I dabble in a variety of activities. I’m solar-powered, so I love anything outdoors, especially hiking and biking, and I enjoy traveling to the North Shore. I prioritize self-care routines such as yoga, self-reflection and learning, and faith-based practices. Lastly, a perfect day for me involves visiting little coffee shops in search of the best scones and chocolate chip cookies, ending with some impressive thrifting finds along the way!
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 and May 2024.
