Our History
The Respite Inn was founded by families and for families who were struggling with the need to provide round-the-clock care for an adult child with developmental disabilities. This parent-driven collaboration first began in the 1960’s, among families who were part of a respite committee formed under the Alameda and Contra Costa Development Disability Councils. Their experiences with short-term space in nursing homes or permanent care facilities outside the home were not developmentally appropriate. They were eager, some of them desperate, for a different solution.
A collabortive team of parents and executive directors that serve people with developmental disabilities established The Respite Inn
Ideas for our specific respite offering–and related financial, legal, community, and organizational considerations–evolved over the next several decades. Cleanliness, safety, experienced staff – these were no-brainers for the parents. They also wanted care close to their home. But something more was on everyone’s mind – dignity. What if, these parents thought, you could have your child participate in a setting that would be as much of a welcome experience for your child as a welcome service for you? Putting these ideas together with the influence of the bed and breakfast trend of the 1980s that took the hospitality market by storm The Respite Inn became a dream come true.
Fast forward to another party’s offer for a Concord property—which was terribly run-down but had tremendous potential for The Respite Inn’s needs—falling through. The Respite Inn’s planning team jumped in with an affordable offer to take the property “as is,” and it has been our location at 906 Lee Lane ever since.
If ever a collaboration of volunteers worked magic to transform a virtual “tear-down” into a bright, clean, cozy inn, this was it. Numerous East Bay disability groups, in a potent show of arms, committed to working together to build the Inn. From volunteer plumbers, electricians, and carpenters from local unions to Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and the Knights of Columbus, helping was contagious.
Grand opening of The Respite Inn
On a chilly February 23, 1990, The Respite Inn held its official opening. Some of the original Respite Committee parents attended the ceremonial ribbon cutting with local politicians and community leaders. Many had passed. Their legacy soars.
35 years of exemplary service to families in need
Since 1990, The Respite Inn has literally been a “life saver” for many families. It’s a trusted friend for parents whose family member with developmental disabilities require daily assistance. Best yet, it’s a trusted friend for the person with special needs.
35 years of support from our Bay Area community
The Respite Inn will always be grateful for the collaborative efforts of the Alameda County Developmental Disabilities Council, the Contra Costa Developmental Disabilities Council, and the following agencies:
- Alameda ARC
- Contra Costa ARC
- Cerebral Palsy Center
- East Bay Services for the Developmentally Disabled
- Family Support Services of the Bay Area
- Clausen House
- Las Trampas
- United Cerebral Palsy
We remain thankful for the invaluable support of the City of Concord and the City of Walnut Creek, along with the hard work and expertise of the following Labor Unions who dedicated many hours of volunteer time:
- PLUMBERS Local 159
- CARPENTERS Local 152
- ELECTRICIANS Local 302
- PAINTERS Local 741
- SPRINKLER FITTERS Local 483
For their contributions to our continued success, The Respite Inn would like to thank the many individuals, groups, and organizations that graciously volunteer and contribute their resources. A special thanks to the Knights of Columbus from their annual MR Drive, St. Timothy’s Episcopal Ministry, White Pony Express, and Comfort Cub for their ongoing support.