We support caregivers by providing recognition, respite and resources.

We believe that society is full of compassionate and kind individuals who want to help caregivers; however, if they don’t know what our needs are, they can’t help. Recognition is the first hurdle, and the second involves providing tangible relief for the families through respite options.

How We Provide Respite

The Lucas Project is redefining respite for special needs caregivers.

Care Packages

We offer a bit of in-home respite to caregivers through our care packages, which are simply small tokens of appreciation. These care packages include spa items, gourmet coffees and teas, and simple gifts that acknowledge the hard and holy work that occurs within caregiving homes around the country. Every $25 you donate provides one care package!

Hospital Care Packages

Hidden within the walls of ICU wards around the country are exhausted caregivers who refuse to leave their medically fragile child’s side. We show up to brighten their day by offering a care package — a gift that will provide encouragement and strength to face another day. Every $25 you donate provides one hospital care package!

Farm Days

We are creating a community respite day center and will host Farm Days to offer respite opportunities to families. More details coming soon!

Bring The Lucas Project to your Special Ed classroom!

If you’re in the west Michigan area, we would love to come and make care packages with your students to bring home to their caregivers.

Get in touch or email [email protected] to learn more.

 

How We Provide Recognition

Coffee with Caregivers Podcast

Join Jess Ronne, author, speaker, and caregiver advocate, as she chats with caregivers about the joys and trials of raising a child with complex needs.

“Unseen” Documentary Project

The Lucas Project is sponsoring the production of an independent documentary about the hidden mental health crisis among special needs caregivers. The film will feature the Ronne family and their ongoing struggle to find resources and support while battling feelings of PTSD and overwhelming anxiety.

Sister with brother in stroller

Focus Families

Each month we choose one struggling special needs family, share their story, and then come together as a community to help raise funds to lessen some of their hardships.  In the past, we’ve raised respite money, provided funding for a new iPad, and money for simple necessities.  
Jess Ronne headshot

Speaking Engagements

Jess Ronne, founder & CEO of The Lucas Project, is available for speaking engagements on topics including: blended family, special needs, caregiving awareness, death, grief, large families, motherhood, healthy living, abortion, balancing work and family, hope, and faith. Contact us for details and booking.

“Caregiver’s Cove” Database

Caregiver’s Cove” is a private support group where caregivers can find a safe place to connect with other caregivers. Our motto is “the child is only as healthy as the caregiver” and our mission is to come together to make the world a brighter, healthier place for all.

Articles

My son will need 24/7 care for the rest of his life. So, I bought him a farm

Many parents of profoundly disabled children struggle to arrange for their long-term care. This prompted my family to hatch a plan.

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Evangelical Christian Adoption Movement Hit by “Tsunami” of Mentally Ill Children

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We need your support to continue our mission to support special needs families. Will you help?