Tennessee Respite Coalition

To enhance the quality of life for family caregivers through respite.

The Tennessee Respite Coalition was formed in the early 1990s by a group of professionals that were interested in Respite for families that had children with special needs, especially those with children that had mental health diagnoses. Many of these professionals were in the state department of Mental Health and other state departments. As the group grew and became more organized, others that were involved directly with families joined. This group did a tremendous job of advocacy and getting the buzz about Respite started in Tennessee. As time went on, this group decided that it was important to get a full time coordinator to focus on the coalition and grow it to cover the state and to cover all caregiving families across age and disability.

The primary services that the Tennessee Respite Coalition provides:

• Statewide Respite Helpline

• Family Directed Respite

• Advocacy and Awareness

• Volunteer and Senior Companions Program

Over the past year the Tennessee Respite Coalition has provided access to respite to over 200 families across the state of Tennessee. The services that these families have been provided have enabled them to continue to care for their loved ones in their homes as well as get a much needed break from the everyday stresses associated with being a primary caregiver for someone in need and in a vulnerable state.