NCC hosted a private reception in honor of Dr. Harold E. Robles, President Emeritus of the Albert Schweitzer Institute for the Humanities and European founder of the Medical Knowledge Institute (MKI), of the Netherlands. Dr. Robles was joined by his American partner in establishing MKI, Dr. Peter Bittel, CEO of Futures HealthCore. In attendance were NCC’s Senior Leadership Team, Board members and International Learning Exchange in Professional Youthwork (ILEX) fellows.

Washington, DC - National Children's Center, Inc. (NCC) launched its new Greater DC Respitality program benefiting Washington, DC area families of children and adults with developmental disabilities at fundraiser on June 12, 2008 at the City Club of Washington. Along with representatives from the local hospitality industry and other local businesses, NCC awarded the first Respitality packages to families of children and adults with developmental disabilities. Robin Lee, a Silver Spring mother of a child with a developmental disability, was one of the five award recipients during the June 12 event.

Respitality combines respite care and the hospitality industry to provide "pampered night off" packages to caregivers of children and adults with developmental disabilities. "Most caregivers never get a night off; they often feel isolated, don't take time for themselves and have high levels of parental stress," said Philip Campbell, NCC's CEO. Respitality provides a weekend night on the town with a one-night stay at a local hotel, dinner at an area restaurant, flowers, tickets to local events and spa services.

Recipient Robin Lee has three children, ages 5, 15 and 17 years. The 15-year-old, Devonte, has a developmental disability and attends NCC's school in Montgomery County. Ms. Lee said she "cannot remember having a night to herself." Occasionally, she will ask family members to stay with Devonte, but she is always worrying and rushing back to her son, because she doesn't want to be a burden on others. This Respitality mini-vacation is something she can hardly imagine. When she accepted the award during the event, she said "this weekend will fee like a whole week to me!"

Respitality is possible through the generosity of many sponsors: AMS of Maryland, Capitol Asset Management Group, Clarke & Sampson, Health Services for Children with Special Needs, Heritage Investment Management Corporation, Maple Park Associates, PEPCO, Seyfarth & Shaw, Whiteford Taylor and Preston LLP, Rhoda and Gilbert Smith, Adams National Bank, Patrick Deconcini and Susan Rotkis, Steven Loewy, The General Design Company, 701 Restaurant, Hanks Oyster Bar, The Studio Theatre, DC Improv, York Flowers, Enchanted Florists, JW Marriott, Grand Hyatt Washington, Jack's Bar and Restaurant, The Green Lantern, Landini Brothers, London Bob Hair Salon. NCC is still seeking donations to continue the program and provide more such awards to other deserving families.

Washington, DC – National Children’s Center, Inc. (NCC) will launch its new Respitality program benefiting Washington, DC area families of children and adults with developmental disabilities at fundraiser on June 12, 2008 at the City Club of Washington. Along with representatives from the local hospitality industry and other local businesses, NCC will award the first Respitality packages to families of children and adults with developmental disabilities during the event.

Washington, DC - National Children’s Center, Inc. (NCC) has named Philip Campbell its new Chief Executive Officer. Campbell will join NCC, one of the area’s leading agencies for people with developmental disabilities, on July 9, 2007.