Houston Chronicle: Trying to Save a Godsend, 2010-Apr-26, by Jennifer Radcliffe:

But with donations down in this tough economy, the Houston Area Respite
Center is in danger of closing its doors. It doesn't have the $90,000 a
year it needs to operate the parents'-night-out program or its social
club for adults with special needs. A combined 1,033 people used the
programs last year, up from about 300 in 2007. …

Parents
stretched thin by the demands of everyday life with special-needs
children between the ages of 3 and 23 get a four-hour break to run
errands, enjoy a dinner out or catch a movie.“This place is a godsend,” Richard said.