In May, the Munroe-Meyer Institute’s respite care and parent resource programs teamed with a local business to provide a “day of pampering” for 30 parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and complex health needs.
The parents are part of a support group run by parent resource coordinators Jessica Gutierrez and Tinisha Poitier. The pair decided to approach David Potter, CEO of the Capitol Beauty School, about the spa day after hearing tales of the stress the families were facing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Sometimes, we don’t have enough resources to provide to these families,” Gutierrez said. “These parents have shared that they are facing numerous challenges. Many of them have lost their jobs, or their partners have, or both. And in many cases, their children are not receiving the therapies that they normally would be receiving.”
The parents — all moms — who turned out for the May event were offered haircuts, highlighting, coloring, styles and facials.
One mother was having her hair cut and colored at the event. She said she had been looking forward to the event.
“The pandemic has been hard in many ways,” she said through a translator. She lost her job and her children have had to miss therapy during the pandemic. But she said she was enjoying the day – “Thank you very much,” she told Gutierrez.
Gutierrez said that many families felt overwhelmed during the pandemic, and the spa event was one way to provide fun and restful moments for the parents.
Another mother laughed when asked if the pandemic had been challenging.
“Her family was affected by COVID,” Gutierrez said, translating for the woman. “Her husband got COVID-19 and couldn’t work, so he lost his job. Her son’s disruptive behaviors increased – he continued getting therapy, but the amount of visits were reduced. And his school therapies were reduced as well.”
The MMI team received a grant for the event from the Nebraska Lifespan Respite Network, which also ]provided gift cards to the participants. As part of the event, participants also were given information about the importance of respite and available respite resources.
Potter — whose school also works regularly with the Ronald McDonald House — provided discounted services and gift bags for the attendees.
“We were happy to help,” he said. “Our students were very excited to have these mothers come in. We had heard about the challenges these mothers are facing, and the students enjoyed being part of providing them with a special day.”
Gutierrez said that after the event, the participants were effusive in their appreciation. “They shared their positive experiences they had with Capitol, and they mentioned how the students were very respectful when taking care of them.”