Since the onset of Heritage Farm Inc.,we have provided respite opportunities not only for families to get a break in the care of their loved ones but offered creative and interesting activities for participants to become involved with.
Through these opportunities, participants develop their daily living and self-care skills while meeting new friends and developing those relationships.
FREE STANDING RESPITE SERVICES
Site-Based Respite services at Heritage Farm are designed to assist families and caregivers of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in finding a break in their busy, everyday schedules.
Our program is uniquely designed to weave habilitation skills into all daily living tasks and recreational opportunities. Program participants are actively involved in all aspects of meal planning, and experience a variety of farm-related activities and community outings. We strive to make every visit a unique rural opportunity for recipients to experience new activities, foster independence and spend time with friends.
We are committed to the safety and enjoyment of every individual we serve with sensitivity to each person's social and learning style. Staff are trained to assist individuals with experiencing rural activities and community opportunities which can lead to the development of life skills, self confidence and independence.
WEEKEND OR MIDWEEK, OVERNIGHT
A group of four to five individuals with like interests are scheduled for the weekends. Weekend respite typically begins Fridays at 3:00pm and ends Sunday afternoon by 6:00pm. Midweek Respite typically starts on Tuesday or Wednesday and runs through Friday morning.
Families usually drop off and pick up here at Heritage Farm unless the participant is already attending one of our other programs. Arrangements can be made for alternate transportation through Madison Transit bus route. Collectively, the group decides on meals and activities during their stay, unless an event was pre-scheduled.
EMERGENCY OR PRE-PLANNED RESPITE
Families may request stays to accommodate their unforeseen or scheduled event. Be sure to request stays with as much notice as possible to better ensure availability.
MEN’S & WOMEN’S GROUPS
A group of four to six participants get together once a week, midweek, to make a meal or dine out in the community. They also plan an event like visiting an arcade, attending a movie, mini-golf, bowling, crafting, or attend a seasonal activity. The groups start at 3:00pm and end around 8:00pm with staff driving everyone home.
WORKSHOPS
A small group, with similar interests, participate in a planned special event either on a weekday or weekend. Workshop times can last from three hours to an all day event or a workshop series. Workshops include woodworking, greenhouse activities, crocheting, making preserves, on the farm seasonal activities, paint and sip (lemonade), to name a few. New ideas are always considered.
SCHOOL-AGE SUMMER PROGRAM
Our Summer Program is a six week interactive program for school-aged individuals, up to and including age 21. The program offers a wide variety of rural and recreational experiences on and off the farm. Each summer participants of the program maintain their own vegetable garden and prepare meals and snacks from their harvest. Individuals take part in animal care, such as: cleaning and feeding the rabbits, assist with collecting eggs, and partaking in daily pet therapy opportunities by walking and brushing the goats, donkeys and more.... Once a week the group plans a meal together, shops, cooks....and most of all….enjoys eating! The program offers weekly opportunities to go swimming at different locations such as Verona Beach, Madison Lake, or the Sherrill Pool. Each summer we prepare a picnic for the entire farm and host a Talent Show for all to enjoy. We typically conclude our summer with a day long amusement park trip or event.