Emily was born with multiple handicaps. She was born blind, mentally retarded, and required 24-hour a day care. Her mother, who had two other children at home requested weekend respite care so that she could have time with her other children, and have a break from the grueling care required by Emily. Two VEFC families volunteered to receive special training to be able to care for Emily, and the local department of social services then set up a weekend respite schedule. Not only were these respite times important for the mother and her other children, but it gave the VEFC families an opportunity to share their love and care with Emily.