Get the information, care, and relief  that you need (as a family member).

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Our family support services provide respite for families, reimbursement, and free clinical and psychological evaluations, providing individuals and families with rest and assisting in navigating the world of OPWDD.

WHAT WE DO

Our family support services provide essential financial support and resources to families navigating the OPWDD qualification process. We offer reimbursement for necessary expenses, as well as free psychological and psychosocial evaluations for those who have no other means of obtaining them, ensuring that individuals can take the first steps toward receiving the services they need.

Beyond financial assistance and evaluation support, we emphasize community inclusion, helping individuals build social connections and engage with their peers in meaningful ways.

Respite services are also available for families who are eligible through OPWDD. This service takes adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities on day and overnight trips to explore various activities and integrate into the community.

WHO WE SUPPORT

Respite and Reimbursement Services support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who live at home with their families and have completed the OPWDD application process. To qualify, individuals must be OPWDD-eligible with all required documentation, have a life plan in place with a care manager, and do not have Medicaid. Evaluations are for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and is a free service as psychological and psychosocial evaluations are covered through this program.

WHY WE ARE HERE

We support families in taking the first steps toward securing the care they need by helping them navigate the OPWDD qualification process. Our program also provides financial assistance by reimbursing families for essential services for their loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities, covering costs that insurance does not.

A staff member assisting an individual who is crafting
HELPING families find understanding and relief

Our Family Support Services support a wide range of individuals and families, including families looking for rest over the weekends while individuals go on day-to-night trips, families looking to qualify for OPWDD, and families looking for reimbursement funds for essential needs.

Respite Recreation

Breaks in Care for Families
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Our Respite Recreation Program is designed to give our families well-needed respite and time for themselves. While our families receive respite, our individuals who live at home are engaging in activities, ensuring safety in the care of empathetic, qualified professionals. We are a community-based program, providing door-to-door transportation for most of our programs. Respite Recreation can promote inclusion and encourage better social relationships while focusing on personal independence, community participation, life enrichment, and social skills for children, youth, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Holiday overnight group

Adult Respite Group

1 - 2 night stay for individuals who need minimal assistance for adults (21+). Transportation is available from meeting place to main outing location.

saturday AND SUNDAY GROUPS

Children Respite Group

An 8 - 10 hour long day outing for individuals ages 8+ who have independent ADL skills.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY RESPITE

Children Respite Group

Day activities for school aged children.

THANK GOD IT'S SATURDAY

Adult Respite Group

Day trip for independent travelers. Individuals meet at transportation vehicle or location of the activity.

Reimbursement

Financial Relief for Families
‍‍

Heartshare Developmental Disability Services provides reimbursement for the purchase of goods and services for families with kin with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who are OPWDD eligible, and reside in Brooklyn or Queens. Funds are available for clothing, arts and crafts, fitness classes, martial arts, karate, dance, museum memberships, and more. They also offer picnic classes and swimming lessons with a cap of $3,000 per year.

Clinical Evaluations

Helping Families Officially Begin the Journey
‍‍

At Heartshare, we provide free psychological and psychosocial evaluations for Brooklyn residents who are seeking eligibility for OPWDD services. We also provide comprehensive autism evaluations with a referral from OPWDD.

Relevant Programs

Family Support Services are just one piece of programming we offer to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  

Education

Education

Day Programming

Day Programming

Residential: Group Homes

Residential: Group Homes

Get in touch!

You can also reach out to us directly at:
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