I was lucky enough to sit down with Alexa and talk a bit more in depth about the organization she works for, Special Needs Cobb. The organization started in 1956, when a small group of Cobb County parents fought the prevailing system of the time of institutionalizing children with developmental disabilities, determined that they would not put their kids away. Since that time the organization has grown and gone through a few name changes, but for 68 years + they have reached out to meet the needs of the special needs community in Cobb County and immediate region. The organization supports both children and adults with developmental disabilities, although today we will just talk about the adult services.
A primary service of the organization is the Respite House in Smyrna which provides weekend respite for both adults and children (separately of course). They may call it respite for the caregivers, but it sounds more like a fun getaway for the participants! Each weekend has room for 4 adults and 2 DSPs (direct service professionals) to stay in the house. The participants are treated to a full weekend of fun. Drop off starts on Friday with a pizza dinner. Saturday has an outing which may vary from season to season but often includes a movie, bowling or another special event. Sunday is a bit more chill, and the guests will stay at the house with a craft or games until they are picked up. Men and women are scheduled on different weekends.
If you are interested in the Respite House, you can use your NOW/COMP waiver or Family Support waiver to pay for the weekend. For families who would like to private pay, the cost is $260. There is the prerequisite paperwork to file, but once completed you will have access to schedule and choose your weekends. Slots are filled first come, first served. Participants often make friends and become regulars.
Special Needs Cobb also runs 23 group homes, mostly in Cobb, which is their largest claim to fame. These homes are ADA accessible and built between the late 1990’s to 2007. They all have the same layout with wide doorways/hallways, no steps, accessible bathrooms, individual bedrooms and other necessary accommodations. The residents can have some independence while still being close to their families. Each home houses 4 residents with 2 DSPs. There are both same sex and co-ed homes. Some residents go to day programs or jobs and other fun activities are scheduled. Many residents stay for decades, and the age range is 18 – 85!
The need for these homes is great, but they are not currently at full capacity due to lack of qualified DSP staff which is the largest challenge for Special Needs Cobb. Please reach out if you are interested in a group home or employment as a DSP.
As I conclude this overview, I wanted to leave you will a quote from Alexa that sums up why she does what she does “There are many causes, but what I really love about Special Needs Cobb is that every day I get to serve my very own neighbors right here in Cobb and metro Atlanta. That is really important to me!”
You sure do feel it when you meet her! So check out the website https://www.specialneedscobb.org for a wealth of information and resources, sign up for the virtual workshops, try out a respite weekend and certainly touch base if you feel a group home is the right decision now or in the future.
Thank you, Alexa, for your time and work in the community!
Best, Ashley
