South Carolina Respite Coalition

The mission of the South Carolina Respite Coalition (SCRC) is to expand quality respite opportunities throughout the lifespan for all SC families caring for a member with special needs.

Respite Voucher Program: This valuable voucher program helps to pay for respite so family caregivers across the lifespan can take a break from 24-hour caregiving. This helps to sustain their own physical and mental health as they continue to care for their loved one(s).

Training and Education: We educate families and professionals through print information, referral to other organizations, coaching of caregivers, educational materials to all, and on-line training modules for potential respite caregivers. SCRC offers formal respite provider training through an on-line training course based on Nationally developed Respite Provider Core Competencies.

Developing Community Based Respite Services: The Respite Breakroom model is a site-based volunteer respite program located in a faith-based or other community-based organization. These programs enable communities to address their specific needs and are equipped to safely accommodate children, adults or older adults with disabilities, chronic or other special needs, and dementia or other aging challenges.

Testimonials

"I am a full-time working Mom to an amazing little girl with special needs, my daughter.... When my husband got deployed a year ago, I struggled to imagine how I was going to get everything done and still be the Mom I wanted to be: patient, organized, loving and giving, to name a few. The blessing of time that these respite funds have given have been immense. Without being able to recharge myself, my intentions, my emotions and my physical being, I do not think I could have made it through."