September 2025

If you previously received this newsletter in your inbox and did not this time, please sign up again!

We changed programs, and not everyone could be transferred over to the new program.

Kelly Tong

Manager

419-783-4411 ext 1

Email Kelly

As autumn wraps us in its cozy colors and crisp air, we are reminded of how much beauty can be found in change and togetherness. At Kaitlyn’s Cottage, we feel that same warmth when we think of the families and caregivers who share their loved ones with us.

Your trust is the greatest gift, and it’s not something we ever take for granted. Every laugh, every hug, and every joyful memory made here is possible because you allow us to be part of your journey. For that, we are deeply grateful.

This fall, as we gather for new activities, celebrate friendships, and watch the seasons turn, we hold close the love and trust that make our Cottage family so special.

Fall at the Cottage is always filled with moments of joy — from crunching leaves underfoot on outdoor walks to the scent of pumpkin treats baking in the kitchen. These simple joys remind us of how meaningful it is to slow down and savor the season together.

We are also excited to share new opportunities for connection this season. Whether it’s crafting colorful fall decorations, enjoying cozy movie nights, or gathering around the table for warm meals, our team is ready to make every moment feel special and memorable.

And of course, none of this would be possible without you — our Cottage family. Thank you for trusting us, supporting us, and reminding us daily why this work is so important. You are at the heart of everything we do.

🍂 Keep reading to see all the exciting things happening at the Cottage this season! 🍂

Jessica Debarba

Program Coordinator

419-783-4411 ext 2

Email Jessica

📅 Scheduling Reminders

At Kaitlyn’s Cottage, we want every visit to be safe, fun, and meaningful. To make sure everything runs smoothly for participants, families, and staff, here are a few important reminders about scheduling:

✨ Plan Ahead

Please schedule your participant’s visits at least 4 weeks in advance. This allows us to prepare activities, arrange proper staffing, and make sure each day is the best it can be.

🤒 If Your Participant Becomes Sick

If your participant is feeling unwell and cannot attend their scheduled time, please contact us right away. This helps us adjust our plans and offer the opening to another family who may be waiting.

🏫 Infinity Program Closures

Please note: the Infinity Program is canceled whenever Good Samaritan School is canceled.

🚫 No Last-Minute Additions

We are not staffed for last-minute additions. To ensure safety and proper care, all scheduling must be arranged in advance.

📞 Who to Contact

Respite care staff cannot make schedule changes. To schedule, cancel, or adjust any visits, you must contact Kelly, Jessica, or Stephon during regular business hours.

💜 Working Together

Your cooperation helps us keep the Cottage safe, organized, and welcoming for all. Thank you for partnering with us to create the best experience for our participants and their families!

"Plans are of little importance,

but planning is essential."

Winston Churchill (and Jessica)

Stephon Puente

Lead Respite Care Worker

Activities and Volunteer

419-783-4411 ext 3

Email Stephon

🍂 Volunteer With Us This Fall

Looking for a meaningful way to spend your time this fall? Kaitlyn’s Cottage is the perfect place to share your talents, energy, and heart. As the leaves change and the season fills with festive fun, we’re inviting new volunteers to join us in making memories that matter!

💜 Why Volunteer?

At the Cottage, you’ll do more than just volunteer—you’ll connect, laugh, and grow alongside amazing participants. Whether it’s helping with a craft, joining a round of Halloween bingo, assisting with baking, or simply sharing a conversation, your presence makes a lasting difference.

🎃 Fall Activities You Can Be Part Of

This season is full of exciting opportunities for volunteers! You could help participants decorate sugar skulls, lead spooky sensory games, enjoy cozy movie days, or get creative with autumn crafts. Every activity is a chance to bring joy and connection to our Cottage family.

🌟 What You Need to Know

The health and safety of our participants and staff is our top priority. Per ProMedica policy, all volunteers must have a current flu vaccine before serving at Kaitlyn’s Cottage (during flu season). This simple step ensures we can keep everyone safe, happy, and healthy during the busy fall and winter season.

🍁 How to Join

No matter your age or background, there’s a place for you here. Whether you can give a little time or a lot, you’ll be welcomed with open arms—and plenty of smiles!

💌 Ready to Volunteer?

Reach out today to learn more about volunteer opportunities and requirements. Fall is the perfect season to give back, and we’d love for you to be part of our Cottage family!

If you are not on Facebook -

We recommend you get on there JUST for Kaitlyn's Cottage

But....

you can also email Jessica monthly for activities.

Once again, we will be painting pumpkins to be displayed downtown Defiance

for the Witches' Brew and beyond!

Instructions:

1. Pick up a pumpkin from Kaitlyn's Cottage any time

2. Return to Kaitlyn's Cottage (so we can clear coat them) by OCTOBER 6!

3. NO CARVING or PUNCTURING the pumpkins.

4. You are welcome to decorate a pumpkin on behalf of your participant or as a family if they do not want to do one themselves!

T-SHIRTS and HOODIES for SALE!

EMAIL STEPHON

Once again, we are offering some KC Swag!

There are limited sizes, colors, and styles (for now).

The drawings are KC participant-made! (With the help of Cris Shock, Kaitlyn's mom, in pulling them all together for the perfect design!)

SPECIAL KC FAMILY PRICING

Short Sleeve T-shirts $10
Long Sleeve T-shirts $15
Hoodies $25
Youth sizes (orange short sleeve) $10

GENERAL COMMUNITY PRICING:

Short Sleeve T-shirts $15
Long Sleeve T-shirts $20
Hoodies $30
Youth sizes (orange short sleeve) $15

Color options: tan/sand, dark purple, navy, and lavender (adult), orange (youth)

Please reach out to STEPHON for sizes and color availability.

*If we see interest for more/different sizing or a crew neck sweatshirt option, we will do an order! Please reach out with your interest!

Print for Halloween!

*Made with Love by Kaitlyn's Cottage*

(Save Image or email Kelly for a copy!)

Shock-ingly Positive

Cris & Josh Shock

Founding Family of Kaitlyn's Cottage

Kaitlyn's Mom & Dad

Text Cris

Email the Shocks

🌟 We’d Love to Hear from You 🌟

We want you to know that our doors are always open.

Families are welcome to reach out to us anytime—we truly value your ideas for activities, supports, and opportunities you’d like to see for parents and caregivers.

Please remember, if you ever need someone to talk to, or if you’re looking for help, we are here for you. Every conversation is kept completely confidential, and you can count on us to listen with open hearts and open minds.

There is always hope and always light, even on the darkest nights. ❤️

You should be able to save the below as a photo and print on your own - or just ask Kelly to send you a copy!

Email Kelly for a Copy

2026 NOTICE

All 2025 payments and outstanding invoices must be paid in full before scheduling for 2026.

For payment options:

Automatic payments (full or partial balances) can be set up by contacting Kelly at kelly.tong@promedica.org.
Kelly can also provide a secure online payment link upon request.

For balance usage inquiries:

Jessica can assist you with determining how many of your 350 hours of your yearly limit remain. Contact her at jessica.debarba@promedica.org

2026 Rate Adjustment

Effective January 1, 2026:

Self-Pay: Hourly rate will increase by $0.25. Please add twenty-five cents to your current hourly rate on 1/1/26.
Agency-Paid Invoices: Hourly rate will increase by $3.00/hour, bringing the new rate to $18.00/hour.

Arrival & Departure

Your loved one will be scheduled with specific arrival and departure times. To help everything run smoothly, please keep the following guidelines in mind:

Arrival:

Early arrivals are not accepted. Respite care workers are scheduled based on your participant’s set arrival times, so we won’t have sufficient staff available for unscheduled early drop-offs.
Please hand medications directly to the respite care staff. Take a moment at drop-off to review medications and any current or updated needs with the Respite Care Worker. If you require more than 10 minutes to discuss details, please arrange this in advance with Kaitlyn’s Cottage administration. Unscheduled extended time with staff at drop-off can pull their attention away from supervision and care, creating a safety concern.
If you are paying the day of your participant's stay, please give payment to staff member. We cannot make any change. Any overpayment will be applied to future visits.

Departure:

Late pick-ups are not accepted. Please arrive to pick up your loved one at the scheduled time. Respite care workers are scheduled to meet the needs of all participants, and late arrivals disrupt safe staffing ratios.
Late pick-ups will incur a fee of $15 for every 15 minutes late (rounded up).
Last-minute extensions to respite stays will not be accommodated without PRIOR approval from Kaitlyn’s Cottage administration during regular business hours. Respite care workers are not authorized to make scheduling changes.
You are responsible for double-checking that all items you brought with your participant are returned at the end of their stay.

Giving to Kaitlyn's Cottage

Every monetary donation or gift-in-kind helps Kaitlyn's Cottage provide meaningful and enjoyable experiences for our participants.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO OUR AMAZON WISH LIST

CLICK HERE TO GIVE ONLINE

Did you know you can donate online?

You can do so by clicking the button above or using our QR code.

To use the QR code, save the picture to your photos. Then go to that photo and hold your finger on the QR code. The website will pop up! Click on the web address.