Christian Appalachian Project - Support services for families with a disabled child or adult are extremely limited in rural Appalachia. Rainbow Respite Care Center was established to provide periodic breaks to the care-provider for their own renewal. Whether services are provided in the participant’s home or at the Center, staff focus on making the respite time beneficial to both the care-provider and the participant.

Rainbow Respite Care Center is licensed by the State of Kentucky, and operates with a staff of 7 employees and 7 CAP volunteers. The Center is a residential program and provides care on a 24 hour basis to eight participants at a time. Participants are scheduled with a group who share similar interests, abilities, and age. During their week’s stay they engage in a variety of activities that are geared toward skills development and increased socialization.

Respite services are also provided in the homes of individuals. This short-term respite is geared toward individuals whose physical condition is too fragile for the center, or who require more one-on-one care. Irregardless of whether the respite is provided at the center or in the home, the relief from care provided to the families allows them to renew their spirit and energy, and reduces the risk of disruption within the family.