Exhaustion, sleep deprivation, difficulties among siblings, lack of help or care. Words are not enough to adequately describe the everyday reality that parents of handicapped children face. As the parent of a handicapped child, Diane Chênevert, understood these realities full well. And so with great determination she founded this remarkable non-profit centre. After three years of careful planning, research, fundraising, and adapting a home for a specialized clientele, the Centre de répit Philou opened its doors in April 2005.

The mission of the Centre de répit Philou is to provide concrete support to families living with a handicapped child by offering more than just custodial care for a few days. The Centre welcomes handicapped children under the age of 6 in a specially-designed setting where they are nurtured, loved, understood and cared for by trained educators, caregivers and volunteers. Open 24/7 all year round, the centre is a welcoming home environment that accommodates up to nine children at a time for stays anywhere from one day to seven days.

Through its specialized and individualized child-centered approach, the Centre de répit Philou allows parents to recharge their batteries with the peace of mind that their children are in good hands.

For highlights of Diane's presentation at the Zhubin Foundation Dinner please click here.
You may also visit the Centre de répit Philou website - www.centrephilou.org