Women's Respite Program

05/15/2026

04/13/2026

This weekend’s respite was filled with strength, connection, and grace. 💜

Grandmothers raising their grandchildren came together to rest, reflect, and renew, each carrying stories of resilience, sacrifice, and deep, unconditional love. Through shared experiences, laughter, and even tears, these incredible women reminded one another that they are not alone on this journey.

It was a space where wisdom was honored, burdens were lightened, and hearts were lifted. Resources were shared, bonds were formed, and the power of community was felt in every moment.
We even had a surprise visit from Sister Diane.
To these remarkable women, your strength inspires, your love leads, and your resilience shines brighter than ever. 💫

03/30/2026

Heads up to grandmothers raising grandchildren who were accepted into the April weekend. We need you to confirm whether or not you are coming. There are peeps on the waiting list. Please call 716/877-6896 or email [email protected] and confirm or cancel today.

03/23/2026

This weekend, something truly special unfolded at our Women’s Respite Program.

One of the incredible women Gerldine found the courage to put her experience into words capturing not just her own journey, but the strength, connection, and healing shared among everyone present. As she read her poem aloud, you could feel the room hold space for every emotion, grief, hope, love, and resilience. Here she is sharing her artwork and here is her poem

The Mosaic
A torn piece here
broken piece there
A life nearly shattered . pieces everywhere .
Sleepless nights
Tear filled eyes
Each one gathered
Has uttered a cry.
Cries of anger
Of rejection too
A myriad of emotions
press their way through.
Mishandled ..neglected
pushed to the brink of gloom
These are so many pieces
gathered in this room.
Each piece but a reflection
of stories yet untold
Like pieces to a mosaic
Such beauty to behold .
Colors of resilience
Determined to stand
No longer willing
to make failure the plan.
So many broken pieces
Many colors to display
Speak mosaic speak
You have somethings to say.
Each woman gathered
through brokeness have stood
Having weathered more storms
than you thought you could.
Like the tiles in a mosaic
With beautiful colors to show
We create a picture
and don’t even know.

Tear colored tiles
mixed with smiles too
Come now Sister
Show the tile in you .
Mix your color with mine
Let love be our glue
Before we know it
A mosaic’s in view.
A vast array of colors
It’s a beautiful design
We make quite the picture
With your shapes colors and mine !

Gerldine Wilson—March 22,2026–all rights reserved