A Shelter From The Storm: New Respite Home In Gravois Mills To Support Foster Families At The Lake

LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. — Two locals are on a mission to support foster families by providing them with a new - and free - respite care home in Gravois Mills that is set to open its doors in the summer of 2024.

Founders James and Kate Radford have been dedicated to foster care for over four years, so they understand the struggles that come along with this service.

James & Kate Radford.jpeg — courtesy of James Radford

Their experience made them aware of an unaddressed need for caregivers in the Lake area community. Their solution: Kids Cove Respite Home to give foster parents a much needed break while providing a fun stay for the children.

“We've seen firsthand the challenges and rewards of foster care,” said James. “With Kids Cove, we aim to be a pillar of support for foster families in our community. We believe that by supporting foster families with this vital service, we can help create stronger and more resilient homes for these children.”

The nonprofit's primary goal is to provide up to five weeks of respite care per child annually, free of charge, to the foster parents. This initiative is designed to ease foster families’ burdens and ensure stable homes. For the time being, Kids Cove is able to take in eight kids at a time, but the house is big enough for double that amount.

Kids Cove Respite Home.jpeg — courtesy of James Radford

“The state will only pay for one day per month for respite,” James said. “So imagine you've got a foster family who is on call 24/7. One day a month really doesn't do a lot to help with rejuvenation.”

Kids Cove Respite Home has a one-year followed by a five-year vision. The flagship location in Gravois Mills will focus on the families of Miller, Morgan, Camden, and Laclede counties. The home will feature an island cove theme, resembling a mini resort experience with themed rooms, a pirate ship playground, a maker lab, an outdoor recreation area for older kids, and more.

Kids Cove room.jpg — courtesy of James Radford

In the following years, the Radfords want to expand services to include in-home care for therapeutic and medical respite care. James said specialized aid is vital to extending the reach of support in the area. Funding for these programs will be donor-based.

They are actively seeking partnerships and support from local businesses, community leaders, and individuals who share their vision. Whether it’s a handyman to help on site or giving funds to make things run, the Radfords said they’re needing help.

Two groups have already partnered with Kids Cove. The first was with the Knightly Foundation, which provides essential items in a ‘KnightPack’ to reduce stress and trauma that homeless and foster care children experience. The foundation focuses on the children’s physical and mental well-being in multiple counties across the state.

“We’re particularly excited to collaborate with Kim Wuest and her husband, whose incredible generosity is making all of this possible,” said James.

Kiwanis Club of the Ozark Coast has also partnered with Kids Cove. The group, which has celebrated its 29th year of serving Osage Beach and Lake Ozark, voted to cover IRS processing costs for the 501 C-3, which is $275.

“This support is propelling us forward and gaining momentum,” James said.