Gio’s Garden

Innovative and Exemplary (2019):

Gio’s Garden, in Middleton, WI, is a therapeutic respite care program for children seven years and younger who have significant developmental or physical delays. In operation for more than ten years, Gio’s Garden fills service gaps by reaching children awaiting diagnoses or on waiting lists for other services. To meet the increasing demand for respite care, Gio’s Garden is in the process of adding a second location in 2026.

Gio’s Garden staff of recreation, art and occupational therapists and student interns provide more than 5,000 hours of service each year including Therapeutic Respite, pairing staff, interns, and volunteers with children to work on individualized child goals in an enriched environment. Respite 2 Go brings this enriched respite experience to underserved families across the county through partner agencies, and Date Night offers inclusive respite care to eligible children and their siblings allowing parents to spend time together without caregiving responsibilities. Fostering the health and wellbeing of families Family Resources include parent information sessions and support groups, family outings, social media, a Community Resource Database, and Family Events.

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Programs are initially reviewed after three years to assess continued status as Innovative and Exemplary, and every five years thereafter. Following their second review, recognition of Gio’s Garden as Innovative and Exemplary was extended to January 1, 2031.