Help Give Family Caregivers a Break

The SC Respite Coalition is dedicated to expanding quality respite opportunities for families caring for individuals with special needs in South Carolina. 

Our mission is too: 

• Educating families and professionals about the necessity of respite care and advocating for policies that support it. 
  
  
• Providing training for caregivers and respite care providers, as well as coaching and referrals to local services. 
  
  
• Offering respite care vouchers to eligible families, ages 18-54 which can be used to pay for in-home care or respite services. 
  
  

The SC Respite Coalition is the only entity in the state committed to addressing the needs for respite across the lifespan for all persons caring for a child or adult who has special needs. The Respite Coalition was incorporated in the summer of 2001 and is the result of the vision of over 30 organizations. Lead organizations in the development of the Respite Coalition have been Family Connection of SC, Inc., the Center for Disability Resources at the USC School of Medicine, and the Institute for Families in Society at the University of South Carolina.

Please take some time and read the following Faces of Respite submitted by family caregivers that we have served at the SC Respite Coalition:

 Respite has truly changed my life. As a single mom trying to be "super mom," I never asked for help, feeling it was my responsibility to handle everything for my kids. But I started feeling the toll of exhaustion, both mentally and physically, while caring for my two special needs children alone. It became clear that I needed to prioritize my well-being so I could be a happier and healthier mom for them. I didn’t have the budget for a babysitter, but thanks to the respite voucher, I could finally afford someone I trusted to care for my kids. This time off has opened doors for me to attend therapy, go to the gym, rest, and attend a support group of single moms who share my beliefs. It’s given me the strength, confidence, and energy to be the best woman and mother. Thank you! Submitted By: Azucena

 My husband and I are so thankful for the respite care voucher that the South Carolina Respite Coalition provided us. We love spending time as a family and with our son, but it is hard to carve out time for date nights with just my husband and I. With this voucher, my husband and I made date nights a priority with no excuses, and we were able to enjoy time together and connect. As rewarding as being a parent of a child with special needs can be, caregiving can also be exhausting, stressful, and time consuming. Thank you to the SCRC for helping my husband and I make time for each other, and for giving us time to take a break and relax together! Submitted By: Shannon

The blessing of this respite voucher allowed me to unplug, to take time to pour into myself and find time for myself to breathe. I often feel guilty for taking time the away from caring for or advocating for my child. It has been a very challenging time to acclimate to a new state and face all the steps needing to be taken to get care established here. Each day seems overwhelming and some days I run out of time - so self-care is often put on the back burner. I was able to arrange care with a trusted and skilled provider so that I literally could unplug from my role as parent and caregiver - to fill my cup and have time that was about caring for myself and finding calm. I came back from my time more rested and more energized. I am so grateful! Submitted By: Lisa