BUDDY BREAK
Kids Have Fun and Caregivers Get a Break!
by Marie Kuck
“Buddy Break is like walking into a hug!” says the mom of nine
year old Jonathan, who is diagnosed with autism. Does this sound too good
to be true? Think again! Nathaniel’s Hope has developed Buddy Break,
an exciting “Mom’s Day Out” type of program to assist
families with kids with special needs.
Through their life journey with their son Nathaniel, Marie and Tim Kuck experienced how hard it was to get the support they needed when Nathaniel was born with multiple special needs. Soon after his “change of address” to heaven, the Kucks established Nathaniel’s Hope, an organization dedicated to sharing hope with kids with special needs (VIP kids) and their families. One of the ways that Nathaniel’s Hope brings hope is by supporting VIP families in a practical way through the Buddy Break program.
What is Buddy Break?
Buddy Break is a FREE kids/respite program where VIP kids make new friends,
play fun games, enjoy crafts, therapy dogs, children's stories, music, activities
and more! Siblings have fun too! Meanwhile, their caregivers get a break
from their ongoing care-giving responsibilities for three hours one Friday
night or Saturday morning a month.
Why is there a need for Buddy Break?
The weight and stress of finding proper doctors, teachers, and financial
resources for a VIP child's care can be overwhelming. Those responsibilities,
as well as the never-ending demands of life, leave little opportunity for
caregivers to take time for themselves, run errands, or plan one-on-one
outings with a spouse or other children – things desperately needed
to survive. Buddy Break provides a safe place for VIPs and their siblings
to have fun while their caregivers get a break. Through Buddy Break, VIP
kids (and siblings) are establishing meaningful friendships and socialization
skills with other kids and adults, and they have an opportunity to experience
fun activities at their own pace and ability.
Who are VIP kids?
VIPs are kids with any type of special needs, which include any physical,
cognitive, medical or hidden disability, chronic or life-threatening illness,
or those who are medically fragile. This program is for VIP children birth
ages: 2-16 years old, and their siblings: 4 years old to 5th grade. Some
Buddy Break locations expand their program based on their ability to serve
a wider age range.
Who are Buddies?
Buddies are friends of VIPs. They are screened volunteers who are at least
14 years of age and have completed a two-hour Buddy Training 101 class.
During Buddy Break, they enjoy one-to-one friendship with a VIP kid. Doctors,
nurses, therapists, and special education teachers also serve as Buddy friends.
How do I sign up as a VIP?
1. Identify a location where you’d like to attend Buddy Break by checking
out www.BuddyBreak.org or calling the Nathaniel’s Hope office.
2. Complete the online VIP Family Info Form.
3. Call your preferred location to reserve your space at VIP orientation.
This orientation is required, allows the Buddies to meet you and your children,
and gives you a chance to see Buddy Break before you begin participating.
Orientation is held monthly at each Buddy Break location. After orientation,
you may attend any Buddy Break program anywhere by calling the location
to make a reservation.
Where Can I Find Buddy Break?
Nathaniel’s Hope has a growing network of Buddy Break church partners
expanding across the nation. The goal is have 1,000 Buddy Break locations
serving VIP families by 2020! Current Buddy Break locations in the Tampa
area include:
Idlewild Baptist Church
18371 Dale Mabry Hwy N, Lutz, FL 33548
Buddy Break Coordinators: Sue Labadie & Deana Troyer @ 813-264-8773
or BuddyBreak@Idlewild.org
Wesley Memorial UMC
611 Memorial Hwy., Tampa, FL 33615
Buddy Break Coordinator: Julie Preston @ 813-886-2536 or BuddyBreak@WesleyMemorial.net
Venice Presbyterian Church
111 Firenze Ave. E, Venice, FL 34285
Buddy Break Coordinator: Chris Romig @ 941-488-2258 or VeniceBuddyBreak@yahoo.com
To find the most current Buddy Break locations, visit www.BuddyBreak.org. New locations will be added to this website as they are started. If you would like to start a Buddy Break program, please contact Nathaniel’s Hope, who will provide your church with the training and tools to make Buddy Break an easy, safe, and successful program!
Hear what people are saying about Buddy Break!
“Buddy Break is such a gift for my family! My kids have found a place
where they fit right in, are cared for, and loved in ways that sometimes
I, as an exhausted mom, just can’t do. My son with special needs has
a wonderful time playing with his Buddy and his sibling gets to talk to
other children “like me, with a special brother or sister.”
Meanwhile, I have time to get a few things done, reconnect with friends,
or even just sit still with a sense of peace so that I can be a stronger
and better parent. Thank you so much for all you do. I am incredibly grateful!”
Lucette, VIP Parent
“I want to thank all of the fantastic volunteers at Buddy Break. Emma enjoys her morning with you all SO much, and she talks and talks about all the things she gets to do with you. For us, this is the true benefit of the program. We don't so much need a break from her as she needs a break from us! Having the undivided attention of “a buddy friend” to play with is a huge treat for Emma, and a delight for us as parents that she can experience it. We couldn't be happier with the program, and want to express our heartfelt gratitude to you and to your wonderful volunteers.” Barbara, VIP Parent
“As a single mother of three and one of them a VIP kid, I cannot think of a better place to leave my daughter. I can actually relax and enjoy time with my older two children because I know she is being well cared for. Most importantly is that Jaide squeals with joy when we start driving down the church driveway toward Buddy Break. She loves going and I trust leaving her there. It is perfect!” Eliza
“I’ve got the best job in the church!”
-Deanna, Buddy Break Coordinator @ Idlewild Baptist Church
To learn more about Buddy Break, the VIP Birthday Club,
or other programs that Nathaniel’s Hope offers visit www.NathanielsHope.org.