TRC Services and Programs

Memphis Respite Voucher Program (MRVP) – Serves 75 families with children that have a serious emotional disturbance or a developmental disability on a monthly basis. It serves an additional 20-25 each year for summer Respite (camps and other special programs). Each year an event is held in December where MRVP families celebrate and are able to “shop” for free for the holidays.

First Steps Respite – This program allows for a pilot program of 5 families with special needs children 0-3 years old to receive vouchers for family directed Respite at $100 per month. This program also includes the TRC doing a least one educational program about Respite to First Steps families. First Steps does an assessment, and formally refers the family to the TRC for Respite. First Steps then continues with therapies, and parent coaching, while the TRC guides the family in Respite and manages the voucher system.

MS Voucher Program – Is a statewide collaborative program with the National MS Society. It serves 15 families that have a loved one with Multiple Sclerosis with a one-time voucher of $100.

Family Directed Respite Program (FDR) – is a collaborative program with the Area Agency on Aging and Disability. It has the capacity to serve 75 families that have a loved one with Dementia and serves Stewart, Humphreys, Houston and Davidson Counties. Each family receives a monthly voucher of $100 to go toward Respite services. Families in this program are invited to participate in “Caring for Caregivers,” a National Family Caregiver Month pampering day and celebration in November.

Family Directed Respite Upper Cumberland – The program works exactly the same as the FDR program for Middle Tennessee, yet serves 30 families in the Upper Cumberland area of Tennessee.

Chattanooga Volunteer Respite Program – It is housed at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga within the Psychology department. It recruits volunteers to serve in Respite programs within the TRC membership in Chattanooga.

Helpline – the TRC has a toll free number so that caregiving can access information and referrals for Respite care and other caregiver related issues.

Regional Advocacy Program – is the backbone of the TRC. The TRC was started with one central advocacy group that grew into seven regional groups: Knoxville, Tri-Cities, Upper-Cumberland, Middle TN, Jackson, Chattanooga, Memphis. These groups are somewhat of a networking group and are typically led by a volunteer chairperson within the region. The groups meet either monthly or quarterly to talk about Respite opportunities, gaps, activities, planning, etc. Each year the regions participate in National Family Caregiver Month by hosting events, doing recognition activities, or gaining community attention to Respite and Family Caregivers. The groups are made up of professionals and family caregivers. The active members are typically professionals that can attend meetings and plan events. All members assist in advocating for legislation that encourages and furthers Respite services. These regional groups are beginning to start their own Respite programs within themselves. They are doing fundraisers on small scale to supplement their regional advocacy budgets. Beginning in July 2007, all regions will have a regional Respite fund. The following Regions have Respite voucher programs: Jackson, Upper-Cumberland, Memphis, Tri-Cities.

Please contact the central office to see what TRC programs may be available in your region.