Women’s Respite Program

197 Argonne Drive
Kenmore, NY 14217
Phone: (716) 246-2065
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://womensrespite.org/

The Women’s Respite Program (WRP) was founded in 1989 to provide respite to single mothers with low income. The program has since expanded to include weekends for all mothers with low income, grandmothers or other kin raising children, women raising children on the autism spectrum, women with cancer, and alumnae of previous retreats. Over the past 27 years, the WRP has welcomed over 900 women to participate in a weekend of rest, relaxation and renewal. The WRP is a part of the Francis Center, Inc. a not-for-profit, tax-exempt corporation.

The Respite Programs take place at Stella Niagara Center for Renewal five times a year.  Retreat activities include massage therapy, reiki, reflexology, arts and crafts, journal writing, swimming, discussion groups, meditation, or walking the beautiful grounds. If a woman prefers, she can simply rest all weekend. The programs provide participants with an opportunity to meet other women with similar experiences and to form a support network that extends beyond the weekend. The primary goal is to decrease the stress, isolation, and lack of self worth that many of our participants experience.

Points of note:

• We give preference to applicants who self-identify as having a low income.
• The minimum age for applicants is 25 years.
• If there are issues of alcohol or drug abuse or addiction, we require that the woman be sober for an entire year before applying.
• Women must provide their own childcare.
• There is no fee to attend, but we ask for a $20 donation at the time of the program.