Gio’s Garden

Innovative and Exemplary:

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 its eighth year of operation, Gio’s Garden fills service gaps by reaching children awaiting diagnoses or on waiting lists for other services. 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 reviewed every three years to assess continued status as Innovative and Exemplary. Following their review, recognition of Gio’s Garden as Innovative and Exemplary was extended to January 1, 2026.