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Photo by Mike Yoder

Mary Owen, a client of Trinity In-Home Care, left, and Christina Sibit, personal care attendant with Trinity, head out for an afternoon walk Tuesday, May 19, 2009. Trinity recently approved plans to open a second location to incorporate new programs. Owen is excited about the new programs, which will include group activities twice a week for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Trinity In-Home Care plans to open a licensed, drop-in child care center in Lawrence this summer. It would be only the second center in the state.

It also plans to offer a new group activity program for teens and adults with developmental disabilities.

The nonprofit home health agency, 2201 W. 25th St., Suite Q, is planning to lease a 2,800-square-foot building near Sixth Street and Kasold Drive for the two programs. It is in the midst of obtaining a state license for the drop-in child care center.

“Trinity’s focus is twofold,” said Kelly Evans, executive director. “We support people with disabilities to keep them in their own homes. But our other focus area — that’s equally as present — is to support caregivers, and that means all caregivers.”

She said that includes offering parents of all children some respite.

“Drop-in child care is just a really flexible, convenient option that I think many families have needed at one time or will need it,” Evans said.

Drop-in child care

Evans said Trinity plans to open the drop-in child care center from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The cost would be $7 per hour for one child and $3 per hour for each additional child. It would be licensed for 24 children, ages 12 months and up.

Parents will be able to make appointments or just drop by.

Evans said Trinity decided to move forward with the center after conducting a survey of 70 random parents in Lawrence. The results:

• Forty-one percent said they might use such a center.

• Forty-seven percent said they definitely would use it.

• Twelve percent said they wouldn’t use one.

Evans said Trinity’s child care center would focus on self-expression and imagination. It will offer music and art programs. Trinity has received a $500 grant for art supplies.

“We are going to have an art wall where kids can paint on the wall, and we are going to have a book nook where we are going to build a tree and have cushions and pillows underneath,” she said. “Since kids maybe aren’t coming every day, we thought it should be a place that while they are there, they are really engaged and having a great time.”

Trinity is hiring a full-time child care center manager and will have at least three people in the center at all times.

Jill Baker, Trinity board member, believes the drop-in child care center is going to take the nonprofit to the “next level” and hopes parents give it a try.

“I understand that it’s kind of a new concept. But, Trinity takes care of people who are vulnerable now,” she said. “They take care of the frail elderly and people with physical and developmental disabilities. They understand the safety and risk issues.”

Elizabeth Sileo owns Olathe-based KidsPark in Olathe, the only drop-in center in the state. She said getting the state licensure was challenging, but worth it. She opened the business about six years ago and it serves about 2,000 families.

Sileo said the center serves parents for a variety of reasons. Some parents use the center frequently because the mother’s and father’s work schedules overlap and they need a few hours of care. Others use it once a year on their anniversary.

“For some people, we are the first date they’ve had since their child was born,” she said.

Sileo said some parents use them in an emergency situation late at night.

“Families deserve to have a place where children can safely have fun,” she said. “I think it is exciting for the Lawrence community to have that.”

Teen and Adult program

Mary Owen, 23, is excited about Trinity’s other program because it will offer more activities for her to participate in.

Owen suffers from Prader-Willi syndrome, a very rare genetic disorder. She has poor metabolism and trouble speaking, among other symptoms.

Trinity currently provides Owen with a personal care attendant three times a week for three hours. Since October, that attendant has been Christina Sibit. The two have become fast friends, and they take walks, bake, go shopping and simply hang out.

But, there is little opportunity for Owen to interact with others who have disabilities.

That will change with what is being dubbed the “Teen and Adult” program. Evans said she is going to let those who use the program, like Owen, come up with a better name.

The Teen and Adult program will provide a group activity twice a week — likely Tuesday afternoon and Thursday evening — for teens and adults with disabilities. For those who are not already Trinity clients, the program will cost $9 per hour, and funding will be available for low-income residents.

Activities will include cooking, movies, budget workshops and crafts.

“It’s basically to provide a fun time where we are also helping these individuals build some skills,” Evans said.

Trinity will be hiring a full-time volunteer coordinator for the Teen and Adult program.

Community support

Evans said Trinity is seeking volunteers and local talent for both programs. She is looking for artists, storytellers, musicians or parents willing to serve on a committee.

“I really do need some creative people who can make a mural or paint the inside in a really creative way,” Evans said.

Trinity also could use donations of books, gently-used clothing for playing dress-up games, toys and kitchen equipment.

If you would like to volunteer or make donation, call Evans at 842-3159 or e-mail kelly@trinityinhomecare.com.

Evans said this is just part of Trinity’s larger goal to open a lifespan respite center in about five years. The center would provide caregiver support for all ages. It would offer the drop-in child care center and an adult day care for seniors.

“That’s the ultimate goal,” she said.