The Journey: From Blue to Green
Every home begins with a question:
Why doesn't our community have a place like this?
Often that question comes from someone who already knows this world deeply — a bereaved parent, a pediatric nurse, a social worker, a music therapist. These individuals don’t need to be convinced that respite and palliative care matter. They’ve seen firsthand how difficult and isolating the journey can be for families caring for a child with complex medical needs.
What they need is support on the how — how to build a nonprofit, raise funds, develop a board, create a plan, and navigate regulatory pathways.
That’s why we created the National Center for Pediatric Palliative Care Homes and launched Children’s Respite Homes of America (CRHA): to fill that knowledge gap and walk alongside these leaders as they bring their vision to life.
We don’t replace the work of medical experts or research institutions. We collaborate with them — because together, we’re all working to build a stronger system of support for families.
The Color Map of Progress
On our interactive map, you’ll see how this journey unfolds:
🟢 Green Dots
Established homes already serving families. These organizations have opened their doors and are helping pave the way for others by sharing lessons, tools, and mentorship.
🟡 Yellow Dots
Emerging nonprofits with growing boards, websites, and fundraising teams. They’re actively working through business planning, licensing strategies, and building community support.
🔵 Blue Dots
The beginning of the journey. These are visionaries — often deeply experienced in pediatric care — who are reaching out for guidance and connection to bring this care model to their community.
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How We Help Along the Way
We know how complex this journey is — and how overwhelming it can feel. That’s why we provide coaching, mentorship, and access to shared best practices at every stage.
From inspiration to implementation, we guide local leaders through:
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Nonprofit formation & board development
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Vision and mission alignment
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Business and strategic planning
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Licensing and regulatory pathways
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Medicaid reimbursement strategy
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Fundraising and capital campaign support
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Facility design and planning
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Staffing, training, and team-building
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Storytelling, evaluation, and sustainability
We also host regular Lunch N’ Learns, create peer-to-peer learning spaces, and offer connection to expert leaders through our National Advisory Council and Government Affairs Council.
A Bold Goal — and a Growing Movement
Our “BHAG” (Big Hairy Audacious Goal):
50 new Children’s Respite Homes in the top 50 U.S. metro areas within the next five years.
That level of growth would bring this critical model to more than half of all families who need it.
It’s a big goal — but one we believe is possible. With each new Blue Dot who reaches out, and each Yellow Dot that takes root, our momentum grows. And once a home turns Green and begins serving families, the impact is profound — and lasting.