What makes the Center for Respite Care unique?
Additionally, we provide support from case managers and social workers. Our team cares for our clients until they can move to more stable housing. Clients stay with us for about 5,500 bed-nights annually. This means that we truly get to know people and remain connected once they are released from the Center.
Providing leadership in client services – medical and case management
BOB DONOVAN: Oversees the Center’s medical operations.
After being in private practice for several years, Bob Donovan entered the Society of Mary. Following their profession of vows, he returned to Cincinnati and became Medical Director of the Cincinnati Health Care for the Homeless Program in 1988. As part of his duties, he has delivered primary care to people experiencing homelessness at the Mobile Medical Clinic at several of the shelters in the Cincinnati area for 24 years, and he currently cares for people experiencing homelessness (and others) at the McMicken Health Collaborative in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.
KAY BURLEW: Program Director
Kay is the Program Director for The Center for Respite Care. She has spent the past 22 years in the field, working with staff and patients and caring for individuals in a medical environment. She specializes in behavior modification with numerous credentials and certifications. She is a proactive self-starter, who is dedicated and compassionate – always putting the needs of The Center primary.
PATRICE MCDONALD, LPN: Nurse Manager
Nursing is core to the success of The Center for Respite Care. Patrice has worked on staff for 12 years. She started at our former Washington Avenue location (in Avondale) and continues in Over-the-Rhine. She truly understands the complexity of the journey of our clients.
A graduate of Brown Mackie College Nursing Program, she previously worked at a local nursing home establishment.
Why we are unique?
While Hamilton County offers a host of providers and services for people experiencing homelessness, the Center is the only organization that cares for this population once they have been released from area hospitals. Hospitals only permit individuals to stay with them until they are “well” enough to be released. For people without permanent homes, this presents a challenge. The Center offers a healing environment and a team to assist with the transition to healthier living.
Our partners:
Partnerships and relationships are what make it able to provide necessary care. These include:
- Area hospitals and other medical facilities
- Our partnering organizations of the Saint Anthony Center (collated with the Center at Liberty and Republic in Over-The-Rhein)
- Faith-based and civic organizations – providing ongoing financial and volunteer support
- The multiple community partners our case managers engage to provide wrap-around support to our clients – securing identification documentation, benefits, mental health and addiction services, ongoing education and job training, job related attire, housing opportunities, household furnishings and supplies.
- Our board members
- Our Staff
- The wonderful volunteers who provide meals, engagement activities and supportive presence to our clients.
The Center does not receive funds from the United Way or the Continuum of Care. Our funding is from foundation grants, government, and individual support. 2024 will be another important year for the Center — as we continue our commitment to some of our most vulnerable. Thank you to all who make it possible.
