A lifetime of memories and friendships were made each year at Mainstay Life Services’ Summer Respite and Recreation Program. This program offered unique opportunities for recreation and socialization over a one or two-week period in July. It also provided an often much-needed respite for families and caregivers. The program was last held in 2019 and has been discontinued.
The program was last held in 2019 and has been discontinued.
Participation was open to adults age 18 and older who live with families and caregivers.
Summer program participants stayed on a Pittsburgh university campus – living, eating and using the college recreational facilities – and enjoyed daily trips to a variety of locations and events around the region. The program was staffed 24-hours a day by skilled professionals whose full-time jobs are in the education and developmental disabilities fields. Some were college students who were planning to enter those professions.
The program culminated in a celebratory send-off where participants danced the night away with friends – new and old – while already planning to return for more fun the following year.