Dream House for Medically Fragile Children
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| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2001 |
| Founder | Laura Moore |
| Headquarters | Lilburn, GA Georgia , |
| Website | www.dreamhouseforkids.org |
Dream House For Medically Fragile Children empowers families to care for medically fragile children at home and improve their quality of life, by providing them a more efficient and effective way to care for them. Dream House increases the number of families and communities prepared to care for medically fragile children by (1) Providing educational programs and unique teaching environments for families and care givers; (2) Assisting in the development of specially-equipped and accessible homes; (3) Increasing community awareness about the lives and needs of medically fragile children; (4) Creating opportunities for corporate and community partnerships focused on improving the quality of life for medically fragile children and their families.
Dream House Programs and Services:
Who We Serve
The Dream House Family for Keeps® Program serves:
•Georgia's children with complicated health care needs ranging in age birth to 21 years (biological, adopted or foster), regardless of race, color, creed or religion;
•Families (biological, kinship, adoptive or foster) who need the tools and resources to create a safe and nurturing home for medically fragile children;
•Relatives, neighbors, friends, and other caregivers in the community who play a role in the lives of medically fragile children and need additional training to provide supportive care for the family;
•Social work and other non-medical professionals in the community seeking opportunities to support quality of life for medically fragile children.
Education and Skills Training
At the core of the Dream House mission is the need to train families and communities to care for their medically fragile children at home. To achieve successful transition from hospital to home, Dream House offers interactive learning environments and skills training that address these needs:
- Family for Keeps® Basic Caregiver Class: Ideal for families and caregivers just beginning to learn the basic level of care for a medically fragile child.
- Family for Keeps® Advanced Skills Workshops: Ideal for families who are ready to learn the skills necessary to care for more advanced care needs.
Bridging the Gap
Dream House accepts donations of gift cards (grocery, general retailer, gas) to distribute to families throughout the state. The expenses related to the care of a child with complex medical needs are great. Assistance with groceries, gas to get to doctor appointments, medication co-pays, and incontinence supplies is very much appreciated by the families.
Weekend Retreat
Families of medically fragile children often become overwhelmed with the complex care needed for these children and do not know where to turn for assistance. Weekend Retreat is a respite program that provides a safe, caring and fun overnight stay for medically fragile children. This temporary care gives parents a rest from the responsibilities of these truly special children. Children admitted for the weekend have their medical and daily care needs met by a qualified staff and are provided age-appropriate special events suited to the unique abilities of the child.
History
In the fall of 2001, Laura Moore founded The Dream House for Kids, Inc. as a non-profit organization dedicated to establishing the resources needed to get medically fragile children out of institutions. The goal was to save these children from neglectful and abusive situations and give them the home, family and future they so desperately needed to live. As the organization continued to grow and develop, the name was officially changed in December 2002 to Dream House For Medically Fragile Children, Inc. and the focus expanded to the metro Atlanta Area to create the community support and partnerships necessary to develop and organize the needed resources for hundreds more children and families.