Sustainability Planning Learning Collaborative Meeting

Growing a State Respite Program from the Ground Up!

Presentation of Melissa Terry and Cheryl Smith from Alabama Lifespan Respite

In 1996, United Cerebral Palsy of Huntsville realized there were limited respite options for Alabama caregivers and successfully pursued a 3-year grant in 2000 to address the availability and accessibility of respite in our state. UCP staff pulled together a 36-person task force comprised of stakeholders across multiple state agencies, caregivers and other key stakeholders to create a statewide strategic plan. Alabama Respite was born out of this task force and is now legislatively mandated as the main coordination point for all respite initiatives in Alabama. Through relationship building and advocacy, Alabama Respite has obtained annual funding in the state budget and contracts with several state agencies. Presenters will discuss how Alabama Respite has built relationships to assure sustained funding and growth in the program in a way that other programs can replicate.