Serving Palm Beach County, FL — looking to expand to Broward & Miami

Respite & resources for families of children with disabilities

Every parent deserves room to breathe.

We host respite events where you recharge in one room while our experienced team cares for your child in the next — and we help you find, understand, and apply for the resources your family needs.

No stress, no judgment. You belong here.

A mother and son laughing together at a community celebration A Palm Beach County family of four at home

Monthly respite events — free for registered families

  • Founded by a Special Needs Educator, Board Certified Behavior Analyst with 14 years of teaching experience
  • Personal support in English, Kreyòl Ayisyen & Español
  • Events are kept at a low 3-1 ratio in order to ensure we provide a safe, and engaging environment

Our Respite Events

One event. Two rooms. Everyone breathes.

This is the heart of what we do — a real break for you, real fun for your child, under one roof.

Parents relaxing together over coffee

Your Room

You, off duty

An interactive activity built to lower stress and build community — art, yoga, dance, or just good coffee with parents who truly get it.

A child playing with paint on their hands

Their Room

Your child, in good hands

Next door, our experienced team runs activities tailored to diverse needs — grouped by age, from preschool through high school, always at a low 3-1 ratio.

How we help

Three ways to start

Not sure where to begin? Just reach out
  • A smiling family of four at home

    Respite Events

    A monthly event to recharge while your child is cared for — free for registered families, growing to twice a month.

    How it works
  • Two women talking one-on-one on a couch

    Resource Navigation

    Personalized one-on-one support to help families navigate resources, explore available services and complete applications with confidence.

    Get application help
  • A parent taking notes during a training session

    Parent Training

    Practical workshops throughout the year, led by various experts and professionals — because stable parents build stable homes. Childcare included, always.

    Register interest
Ivelyne Daniel, founder and president of Start Here Family Services

Why We Exist

“For fourteen years I watched parents walk into my classroom visibly exhausted. Some had never once left their child with anyone — not once. Start Here exists so no family has to carry their load alone.”

Ivelyne Daniel Founder & President · Special Needs Educator, Board Certified Behavior Analyst · Mom of 3

Backed by a board of educators & healthcare professionals

  • Kristen Kanjo Kristen Kanjo Secretary · ESE educator
  • Brawn Nelson Brawn Nelson Director · Healthcare ops
  • Melisa Scott Treasurer

Get involved

Every event takes a village. Join ours.

  • Be a buddy

    Volunteer your time at events — help us give every child a safe, fun, interactive event.

  • Lead an activity

    Share a skill with parents or kids — art, yoga, dance, a workout — or donate materials and snacks for an event.

  • Share your space

    Have a facility with two or more usable rooms? Host a respite event and see the difference up close.

Help us host six respite events this year.

We’re just getting started, and every dollar goes directly into events that let a parent breathe. In-kind donations, snacks, and facility space are just as welcome.

Start Here Family Services, Inc. — Palm Beach County nonprofit

Stay close

Hear about our first events before anyone else.

Event dates, new resources, and openings — in English, Kreyòl, or Español. Or write to us anytime at info@startherefam.org.

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