Respite

A joyful day and a well-deserved break.

Recharge & Renew: Respite care designed for you

Respite provides short-term care designed to give individuals with disabilities a safe, engaging environment while offering their caregivers the chance to rest, recharge, or take care of personal responsibilities.

For clients, respite means connection, growth, and fun in a welcoming space tailored to their needs. For caregivers, it provides peace of mind knowing their loved one is safe, happy, and supported, while they take time to restore their own well-being. Together, respite strengthens families and empowers individuals, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Who it is designed for:

Respite serves children and adults, of all ages, with disabilities who benefit from temporary care.

What it is designed to do:

Respite is designed to provide individuals with disabilities a safe, engaging environment where they can enjoy new experiences, build independence, and connect with peers. Through community outings, recreational activities, and opportunities to strengthen social and daily living skills, clients thrive while receiving compassionate support. While clients benefit from growth, fun, and meaningful connections, families gain peace of mind knowing their loved one is supported and cared for—allowing caregivers the chance to rest and recharge, or focus on other responsibilities. Together, respite care enriches the lives of both clients and their families.

For more information about OE, download our Programs and Services Handbook. To learn more about Respite, download a copy of our Lakeside Respite Supplemental Guide.

Already a member of the Respite family?

To schedule services:

Details

  • 1:1 client to staff ratio model

  • Personal choice of all activities

  • Personal care assistance

  • Medication administration

  • Provides transportation to community outings

  • Relationship building with long-term staff, who become trusted allies

Benefits for Individual Attending

  • Activities that build strong and meaningful relationships with peers

  • Community outings at places like the movies, park, fair, and more

  • Increased personal development skills and independence

Benefits for Caregiver

  • Time to care for your own needs, whether going to the doctor, having a night out, or going on vacation

  • Opportunities to spend time with other family members or friends
  • Worry-free confidence that your loved one is receiving the best care while having fun

Already a member of the respite family?

To schedule services:

Lakeside Respite at the Markiewicz Center

Lakeside Respite is an on-site, away-from-home program housed within our thoughtfully designed Markiewicz Center. Individuals enjoy frequent outings into the community, socialization with peers, and opportunities to develop independence through new experiences.

Stays at Markiewicz Center can be as short as four hours while a caregiver runs errands or enjoys a night out, or as long as two weeks for work trips, home renovations, or vacations.

At the thoughtfully designed Markiewicz Center, participants enjoy accessible spaces tailored to their needs, including Hoyer lifts for those in wheelchairs, designated areas for children and adults, and 24-hour medical support. Here, individuals can socialize, explore, and grow in a secure and welcoming environment. 

Your loved one will be safe and happy during their time at the Markiewicz Center, and you can rest, accomplish tasks, or travel with peace of mind.

Details

  • 1:1 client to staff ratio

  • Located at OE Lakeside

  • Access to Lakeside Amenities

  • Personal choice of all activities

  • Personal care assistance

  • Medication administration

  • Provides transportation to community outings

  • On-site meals provided at Markiewicz Center
  • Relationship building with long-term staff, who become trusted allies

  • 22 beds in 11 themed bedrooms

  • Spacious accessible kitchen with high and low countertops
  • Accessible Theatre space with movie chairs
  • Outdoor kitchen and patio
  • Sensory room and indoor recreation space

Explore our Respite Center

Our Respite Center reflects our commitment to dignity, compassion, and community. Every room, activity, and interaction is thoughtfully created to support those we serve. Browse our photos to experience the environment we’ve built with care, where individuals thrive and families find relief.

Outdoor Kitchen

Music Room

Activity Room

Theatre

Theatre

Theatre

Theatre

Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor Kitchen

Music Room

Respite Rooms

Click on the images to see room galleries.

Wood sign with The Vroom Room generously donated by Chad and Margaret Kollross written on it.

The Bloom Room

A cozy bedroom with two single beds, each with orange pillows and blankets. A wooden nightstand with a lamp sits between the beds. Floral paintings hang on the walls, and sunlight streams in through two small windows.
Three framed floral paintings are displayed on a wall beneath a wooden plaque holding a gold shovel. Each painting features colorful, vibrant flower arrangements on different background colors: green, dark brown, and gray.
A vintage metal watering can with a large spout is mounted on a wall, casting a shadow on the light-colored background.
Two metal watering cans, one labeled Flowers Garden and the other with Grow and a flower drawing, sit on a wooden surface in front of a board with vintage garden hand tools hanging on it.
A framed artwork with colorful flowers and leaves surrounding the handwritten phrase, Every flower blooms in its own time, on a dark background.
Wood sign with The Build Room generously donated by Mom in honor of Christopher Lindroth written on it.

The Build Room

A bedroom with two single beds, orange pillows, and gray blankets. Between the beds is a small table with a construction barricade and lights. Walls display road signs and industrial-themed artwork. Two windows are at the center.
A bedroom with two single beds, gray blankets, and light green bedding, decorated with construction-themed signs, framed wall art, and a table between the beds displaying a small traffic cone and orange caution sign.
A construction barrier with orange and white diagonal stripes, a yellow caution light, and a sticker-covered hard hat resting on top. A framed photo of industrial equipment hangs on the wall behind.
A wall decorated with framed photos of construction equipment, a row of construction helmets, a metal sign reading TRUE FRIENDS BUILD YOU UP, and four black-and-yellow directional arrow signs.
A white construction hard hat with two stickers on it; one reads THIS IS NOT A DRILL with an image of a fist holding a tool, and the other is partially visible at the bottom.
Wood sign with The Game Room generously donated by The Moulton family in honor of David written on it.

The Game Room

A tidy bedroom with two single beds covered in navy blue bedding and orange blankets, separated by a small black shelf under two windows. Gaming posters and wall art decorate the light-colored walls.
A wall-mounted organizer holds twelve PS4 game cases, including titles like Overwatch, FIFA 23, LEGO Star Wars, Crash Bandicoot, Avengers, Rocket League, Minecraft, Sonic Frontiers, Spider-Man, NBA 2K24, Star Wars Jedi, and Marvel.
Framed posters and wall art feature video game themes, including Avengers and Mario Kart covers, controller graphics, and signs reading GAMING ZONE, GAME ROOM, and EAT SLEEP GAME REPEAT.
Wood sign with The Heroes Room generously donated by Stewart and Kathryn McMillan in honor of all first responders written on it.

The Heroes Room

A cozy bedroom with two twin beds, each with light green bedding and orange throws, separated by a wooden table. Walls are decorated with car-themed art, and two windows let in natural light.
A red firefighter helmet with visible scratches and the number 12 on top, displayed against a plain light background.
A vintage black fireman’s helmet with two white stripes and a badge on the front, showing visible signs of wear and paint chipping.
A wall displays a wooden American flag, a photo of military gear with a flag patch, a firefighter’s helmet on a hook, a framed firefighter uniform, and a sign reading Real Heroes Don’t Wear Capes.
A shadow box display containing a yellow and black firefighter jacket, a helmet, photos, a fire extinguisher, a piece of hose, and various firefighter-themed memorabilia against a light wall.
A yellow, slightly scuffed firefighter helmet with a black brim sits on a wooden surface against a plain background.
A fire hose reel with two fire extinguishers is neatly stored in a wooden cabinet between two beds. A red firefighter helmet is displayed on the wall above the cabinet.
Wood sign with The Journey Room generously donated by The Hess family in honor of Kitty written on it.

The Journey Room

A cozy bedroom with two single beds, light green bedding, and gray blankets. Between the beds are vintage suitcases and a scooter. Decor includes travel-themed wall art, a globe, and railroad crossing signs.
A wall decorated with a small globe and four framed pictures: the Colosseum, Big Ben, the Parthenon, and a world map with the words Lets Go Explore.
A vintage scooter with travel stickers stands by a bed, with stacked suitcases beside it. Above, a framed photo of the Eiffel Tower hangs between two windows on a light-colored wall.
A vintage black scooter with various colorful travel stickers, including Italy, Paris, Minnesota, and Australia, displayed on its front, parked indoors against a wall.
A half-sphere world globe mounted on a wall, showing North and South America, with countries and borders labeled in yellow on a teal background.
Wood sign with The Lodge Room generously donated by Lanie and Scott Steinwart written on it.

The Lodge Room

A cozy bedroom with two single beds, green bedding, and gray blankets, separated by a small desk under three windows. Framed artworks hang on the left wall, and shelves with decorations are on the right.
A vintage red and white Coleman water jug with a handle is mounted on a wall hook above a wooden shelf against a plain light-colored wall.
Two vintage snowshoes with white frames and brown bindings are crossed and mounted on a plain light-colored wall, creating a decorative display.
A wall display with vintage wooden skis above five framed pictures, including images of a ski lift, old skis on a car, colorful skis, a retro ski logo, and a multicolored woven blanket.
A vintage metal Featherflite vacuum jug with a red screw cap and red spigot sits on a wooden table, with framed artwork visible in the background.
A wooden table made from two bows and logs stands between two beds. On the table are a white plastic container, a thermos, and tools. Above hangs a framed photo of a wooden signpost pointing right.
Wood sign with The Rockin' Room generously donated by Hard Rock Casino of Northern Indiana written on it.

The Rockin' Room

A small bedroom with a single bed, a blanket, pillows, framed artwork on the walls, two windows, a crib with mesh sides, and a wooden console with audio equipment and large speakers beneath the windows.
A bedroom with two beds: a regular twin bed with a green cover and a crib with mesh sides. The room has wood floors, three windows, a guitar on the wall, stereo equipment, and framed posters.
A vintage Peavey PA-400 audio mixer with multiple knobs and dials for reverb, bass, treble, and volume, sitting on a wooden surface with part of a speaker visible below.
A retro speaker cabinet with large and small speakers, a Peavey audio mixer, vinyl records on top, a vintage microphone, and books, sits next to a bed in a cozy room.
A shiny Zildjian cymbal with a textured, hammered surface is mounted on a plain light-colored wall. The Zildjian logo is prominently displayed in black near the bottom.
A wooden acoustic guitar with a natural finish hangs on a wall. There is a “You Rock” sticker with a hand making the rock gesture on the lower right side of the guitar body.
A classical acoustic guitar with colorful stickers on its body hangs on a light-colored wall near a wooden door.
Wood sign with The Sky Room generously donated by The Ruiz and Gayda families in honor of Ethan written on it.

The Sky Room

A cozy bedroom with two twin beds, each with green bedding and orange pillows, separated by a small nightstand. Colorful nature photographs decorate the walls, and sunlight streams in through three windows.
A wall display featuring five framed images: a weather map, a lightning storm, a full moon, a swirling hurricane, and star trails above an observatory.
A colorful weather map showing temperature variations across North America sits on a vintage metal and wood cabinet beneath a window; books are stored in a wire basket below the cabinet.
Wood sign with The Trail Room generously donated by Dean and Maggie Cobble and family in memory of Rita Rae Cobble written on it.

The Trail Room

A cozy room with two single beds, each with orange blankets and pillows, separated by a small nightstand. The walls are decorated with nature-themed photos, paddles, and a Happy Trails to You sign. Two windows let in natural light.
A galvanized metal bucket with a red handle and a large red and white Old Pal Minnow Bucket logo on the front, featuring a fish illustration.
A fishing net with a metal frame and loose, tan-colored mesh is hanging on a white wall above a wooden floor.
A round, yellow thermometer with black numbers reads about 79 degrees Fahrenheit. It is branded with Cargill Seeds and mounted on a light-colored wall.
A wall decorated with fishing nets, framed photos of lakes and fishing scenes, and a vintage Old Pal bait bucket. The items are arranged in a neat, rustic display.
A framed photo of a loon taking off from water hangs on a wall below a wooden sign that reads “Happy Trails to You.” The background in the photo is green and blurred.
Wood sign with The Vroom Room generously donated by The Reisinger family in honor of Marcie written on it.

The Vroom Room

A room with two beds and a chair.
Four framed photos of classic cars and a vintage headlight are displayed on a cream-colored wall. The images showcase close-ups of car fronts, emphasizing grilles and headlights.
A vintage Plymouth car grille is mounted on a wall above two framed photos: one showing a classic cars dashboard, the other displaying the front side view and wheel of a light-colored vintage car.
A metal arrow sign that reads Car Wash points left above six vintage chrome car hubcaps displayed on a white wall.
A chair made from the back end of a vintage car, with brown leather cushions, sits in a room. Above it is a YOUR SPEED sign and a framed photo of a classic car on the wall.
A white hard hat, a yellow Danger Slow sign, a framed photo of sparks from welding, and a black arrow sign are mounted on a light-colored wall.
Wood sign with The Wave Room generously donated by Rick and Deanna Rondinelli written on it.

The Wave Room

A cozy bedroom with two single beds, navy blue bedding, and orange pillows, separated by a small wooden table. Three windows, beach-themed decor, and wooden flooring create a bright, inviting atmosphere.
A large decorative anchor made of woven natural fibers hangs on a light-colored wall, creating a nautical-themed accent.
Two framed beach-themed photos, one of a sign reading Beach by a sandy path, the other of seashells, hang on a wall with a decorative fishing net and a white life preserver labeled Welcome Aboard.
Wall art display with framed beach photos of colorful chairs and surfboards, a wooden oar, and a surfboard sign that reads Wild and Free like a Palm Tree.

Membership

Ready to enjoy your time away?

quotation marks icon

Having Respite care for our son has not only provided a break for us to enjoy activities Trevor would not want to be a part of, it also has been a place where Trevor can take a break from us and have his own space. The staff are well-trained, compassionate people, and Trevor loves going there. We are confident that Trevor is in a safe, caring environment when we take him. Having Respite services with Opportunity Enterprises has been a Godsend to all of us.

Ronald and Cindy, Respite Parents

It has always been my intention to help David make the most of his life. I feel that taking advantage of what OE’s Respite Program has to offer definitely helps him do just that.

Lori, Respite Parent

I take the time for me. Sometimes I need time for appointments, but for a long time I didn’t use Respite to its fullest potential. Now I’m doing me. OE staff members are incredible; they work with Payton to gain confidence and flourish.

Jennifer, Respite Parent

Meet Kamron

When Kami’s parents and grandmother passed away, his brother took on full responsibility for his care. That’s when OE became an even more important extension of the Glassford Family.