Although all the respite workers are McMaster students, Operation Oasis is not an official McMaster program. The role of the program is to bring together families who are looking for respite services and students who are interested in working with children and families in this capacity. Operation Oasis is not a volunteer program. The students are paid for their time and the rates are negotiated with the families directly, and are dependent on the expectations of the family. Any training and scheduling is also decided upon directly between the student and the family. 

We have had many successful matches made between the students, children and their families. The occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech language pathology programs at McMaster University are at the master’s level, so the students all have undergraduate degrees, are at minimum in their mid-twenties,  and many have had prior experience with children.

To facilitate the process of matching, families will be asked to provide the information requested on the parent intake form. This information will then be shared with students interested in the program. Students who feel they are a good match for the child and family will contact the family directly. Operation Oasis cannot guarantee a good match, but we are one more resource that you may want to try! Should problems or questions arise, please contact the Operation Oasis program coordinator for assistance.