Families who are charged with the care of very young, chronically ill children, many with multiple handicaps, are on duty 24 hours every day. They have to cope with the problem of isolation, constant worries about the future, income loss created by the necessity to stay at home, and sleep deprivation. Many parents become emotionally and physically exhausted. The normal support of extended family members, friends and babysitters are not available to these parents because of the complexity of care required by the child.

Health-care professionals and families alike have identified access to and availability of specialized respite services as a gap in the current health care system. Responding to this need, the Children's Respite Program was created in 1999 to provide free, quality respite services to families in their own homes.

NOVA Montreal receives no government funding and therefore relies entirely on the generosity of the community for its support. Thanks to continued support from the Zhubin Foundation, 2005-2006 has seen a marked increase both in the number of families served and the respite hours provided.

Click here for highlights from the NOVA Montreal's PowerPoint Presentation at the 3rd Annual Zhubin Foundation Dinner

Visit NOVA Montreal's website at: www.novamontreal.com