Kansas Lifespan Respite Coalition

Research shows that respite care reduces the incidence of abuse and neglect. Further research also proves that when respite care is provided, the overall quality of care is ultimately improved.

Kansas Lifespan Respite Coalition’s (KLRC) mission is to promote access to and use of respite care for all Kansas caregivers through community awareness, public/political advocacy, education, and collaboration by providing a statewide respite care system.

Objectives of the KLRC:

To educate those responsible for and needing respite care.
To connect existing resources that provide respite services.
To explore and obtain funding to better provide respite services.
To locate training options for those interested in providing respite care.
To identify gaps within care programs and develop strategies to address these gaps.

History

A small group of professionals began conversations about forming a group focused on respite care services in the state of Kansas. This group would work to develop and provide a statewide respite care system. In May of 2007, an organized summit was held for Kansas caregivers and organizations using grant money received. Speakers at the summit included Jill Kagan (Director of the National Respite Coalition), Rose Ann Percival (Programs Manager for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services), and Nebraska Senator Dennis M. Byars. The result of this statewide summit was the formation of the Kansas Lifespan Respite Coalition.

Under the guidance of Gina Ervay (Executive Director of the Respite Outreach Care for Kansas Organization) and its members, the KLRC continued regular meetings and, in 2008, wrote a grant and received $12,000 in funding to assist the Coalition with community engagement and continued development. In addition to the grant, the KLRC successfully drafted a Lifespan Respite Care Bill and introduced it to the Kansas Ways and Means Committee in March 2008. Though the KLRC's members testified to support the bill, the bill did not pass the committee during the legislative session.

The KLRC plans to continue its development and mission. The Coalition currently has 50 members and continues to grow.

Get Involved

The first step is to join the cause. Becoming a KLRC member is free and easy; you can do it by simply filling out an application. Being a member of the KLRC includes the following benefits:

Keep up-to-date on all the latest conferences, meetings, and other local events.
Have instant access to all the resources you need to make a difference in your community.
Network with other Kansas organizations about how to make a difference in your area, as well as on a national level.
Help the KLRC back legislation to form a statewide respite care program.

To donate to the KLRC call 316-218-9363.

Send mail to:

The Kansas Respite Lifespan Coalition
P.O. Box 902
Andover, Kansas 67002

KLRC Membership Application

Become an Advocate

You can use your organization to advocate for a statewide respite care system by finding your local legislator. However, being a local advocate for respite care doesn't always require political action. Take small steps to make a big difference in your community! Give your local caregiving organizations the financial support they need to continue the level of care that your community deserves. Most importantly, donate your time by volunteering or working as a caregiver.

Finding your local legislator is also the most important step you can take towards nationally advocating a respite care program. By being a member of the KLRC, you will have access to various networking resources to contact organizations in your community, throughout the state, or in neighboring communities throughout the country.