Humboldt and District Community Services (HDCS) marked a major milestone this summer as it celebrated the 25th anniversary of its Summer Respite Program—an initiative that has grown from humble beginnings into a cornerstone of support for families and youth in the region.
The program, first launched in 2001, was created in response to a need for summer respite care for families with children who require additional support. Executive Director Juanine Korte reflected on the journey that began with a simple but powerful idea: giving both caregivers and participants a summer filled with relief, joy, and connection.
“The program started because families needed a break, and kids needed a place where they felt they belonged,” said Korte. “Our goal was to provide that respite, while also creating a fun and engaging environment for kids who might not otherwise have had access to summer programming.”
In its inaugural year, the program served 12 participants with the help of three staff. Today, it has grown to welcome over 30 participants each summer, supported by a team of seven staff members. While the scope has expanded, the mission remains unchanged.
Over the years, more than 70 students have been employed through the program—many of whom have gone on to become teachers, occupational and speech therapists, social workers, and other professionals in caregiving fields.
“The experience they gain is invaluable,” Korte noted. “They don’t just learn about care - they learn about compassion, connection, and the daily realities faced by families.”
Some of the program’s most memorable moments include simple yet meaningful excursions, like visiting a dairy farm near Lanigan, feeding birds in nearby Munster, or just enjoying the many pools and lakes around the region. “The creativity of our summer staff has been incredible,” Korte added. “Every year they bring new ideas and energy that make each summer special.”
Perhaps the most lasting impact is the social bonds the program fosters.
“There was one young fellow who said, ‘I’ve never had a friend, but now I have three best friends,’” Korte shared. “That’s what this is all about - creating opportunities for connection that might not happen otherwise.”
To celebrate the 25th year, HDCS hosted a community event featuring magician Danny Kazam, inviting past participants, families, and staff to mark the occasion. The celebration served as a heartfelt thank-you to the people who have helped build and sustain the program over two and a half decades.
“From the bottom of our hearts, we thank the families for allowing us to be part of their lives, and the staff, both past and present, who have shaped the program into what it is today,” said Korte. “It was a day full of laughter, memories, and gratitude.”
Korte also emphasized that the program continues to operate without core government funding. Instead, it relies on an informal network of community donations, grants, and in-kind support.
“We wouldn’t be here without the incredible generosity of our community and surrounding areas,” she said. “This program has always been for the community, by the community.”
As the 25th summer wraps up, HDCS is already looking to the future. With growing demand and continued community support, the organization is committed to sustaining and evolving the program for years to come.
“We’ve come a long way,” Korte concluded. “And as long as there’s a need, we’ll keep showing up - creating memories, building friendships, and offering the support that families deserve.”
For more information on the Summer Respite Program or how to support HDCS, visit HDCS’s website or contact their office in Humboldt.