In fact, respite from twenty- four-hour care giving has some- times made the difference be- tween maintaining home care or institutionalizing a loved one. 
   It's not always easy for people who need respite to give up the family environment for their loved one.  However, BCARC Respite Director Connie Hubbel and her staff of three full-time and one relief worker assure a care setting as close to the home environment as possible.
   Connie, who received a spe- cial Berkshire County Arc award for her Outstanding  Service to Community Individuals, and her staff enable disabled family members to remain in the com- munity and to attend day pro- grams or school.
   Connie said, "We do our best to have each individual visiting Respite House plan his/her own time.  We don't try to fit anyone into our schedule; rather we tai- lor our program to the individ- uals's needs and wants."
   "We provide an excellent op- portunity here for individuals to meet new people and make new friends.  We are very active in the community and regularly go out during a typical day for everday activities as wellas special events.  In the good weather we barbecue and play casual, leisure-time sports." 
   "Many of our guest are coming from out in the community, and they expect nothing less than full community membership while they're here.  We have a good