Opened in November 2018, and purchased entirely with private donations, The Terrace Guest House & Respite Inn is the first of it's kind in the nation.  Built in 1798, it is located in the Historic District of New Market, Frederick County, Maryland.  It is open exclusively to parents & caregivers who have loved ones with disabilities, chronic illness, and other challenges.  3-night respite retreats are scheduled nearly every weekend, and serve up to (7) caregivers with crucial recuperative rest and therapeutic fellowship in a quiet, peaceful, free-style setting.  We work hard to make these retreats *free of charge* to guests, and we rely entirely on gifts from community foundations, churches, and other private giving and support to fund the most basic operating expenses of the inn.  We do encourage guests to leave a donation (as they are able) to supplement funds needed.   Our Founder & Executive Director  also serves as the full-time Innkeeper for The Terrace Guest House.

Our 2nd respite inn, Lawton Place Manor, also purchased entirely with private donations, began renovations and prep in January 2020.  It's grand opening was scheduled for April 3, but has been delayed by the COVID-19 crisis.  Built in 1879 by Brigadier General and US  Ambassador Alexander Robert Lawton as a summer residence, Lawton Place Manor was originally referred to as "The Oakes".  It is located in the quiet, rural, mountain town of Mt. Airy, Habersham County, Georgia.   Like our inn in Maryland, Lawton Place Manor is open exclusively to parents & caregivers who have loved ones with disabilities, chronic illness, and other challenges.  3-night respite retreats are scheduled nearly every weekend, and serve up to (7) caregivers with crucial recuperative rest and therapeutic fellowship in a quiet, peaceful, free-style setting.  We work hard to make these retreats *free of charge* to guests, and we rely entirely on gifts from community foundations, churches, and other private giving and support to fund the most basic operating expenses of the inn.  We do encourage guests to leave a donation (as they are able) to supplement funds needed. We do have one paid innkeeper on staff, in addition to regular property maintenance, insurance, and utility costs. 

In order to serve as many caregivers as possible, we continue to build a growing network of existing bed and breakfast inn partners to host various respite retreats around the country.  Since our inception in Feb 2017, we now have nearly (40) Porch Partners nationally, who have served over (500) parents & caregivers.

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Through discounts from our inn partners and donations from corporate/church/civic/foundation/private individual giving, we aim to keep the out of pocket costs to families as low as possible, even free sometimes! 

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We are grateful to our growing list of Porch Partners.  Join us!

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Want to SPONSOR one of our retreats?    Many levels available! 

In addition to our national network of "Porch Partner" Bed & Breakfast Inns, A Mother's Rest hosts several larger, signature events each year as well.

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1) Mommy & Me:  Moms of children/adults with extra needs can enjoy a 3-night retreat with their NON special needs son or daughter at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel in Jekyll Island, GA.  This is special one-on-one time that every child needs. Typically held in March of each year. 

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2) #SLEEPMATTERS Cruise: Exclusively for moms of children/adults with extra needs, as well as spouses of disabled veterans and special educators as well.  Four nights at sea to do everything or nothing.  All meals included.   Moms can come solo in a private room or share with one other extra needs mom.  Typically held in February of each year. 

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3) YOGI BEAR  Family "Glamping" Trip:  The PERFECT, affordable extra needs family vacation.  Don't miss it.  Best family trip you'll ever take.  The park is booked entirely for our families, so you're on a private family trip with 100 other extra needs families!   Choose from (seven) different cabin types/floor plans, as well as tent and RV sites.  Held every year in July at Jellystone Park in Mammoth Cave, KY.  

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4) Buddy Cruise: The ultimate "world-school" adventure for families of those with extra needs!  Originally begun for families of Down syndrome, it now is open and inclusive to all disabilities.  Buddy Cruise is an educational conference at sea, and includes scheduled speakers and presentations, as well as many organized group activities! 

Our "Home Base" cornerstone will be located in Afton, VA.  What we intend to build here in the future includes:

• Secluded respite inn for parents

• Office space & part-time residence for staff

• Planned public community to employ disabled individuals from central Virginia

• Coffee shop exclusively serving products from our partners at Dreamers

• Wine tasting room

• Garden market

• Therapeutic rescue animal farm

• Thrift shop

• Inclusive park/playground area

• Residential retirement community for parents and their disabled adult children

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We invite philanthropic investment and community support from local Virginia businesses, foundations, civic groups, churches, and private individuals to help fund these valuable programs.   Please contact Andrea Faris Roberts with questions or inquiries.