Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Press Release
The Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) announced new funding aimed at creating and expanding the availability of respite within faith-based communities and community nonprofits.
The department is providing up to $25,000 in one-time funding to faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with the purpose of creating respite ministries or programs that provide people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families with a safe place of rest.
“Parenting a child with disabilities is incredibly rewarding, but it’s important parents are able to have opportunities to rest from the oftentimes all-encompassing nature of caregiving duties,” said DIDD Commissioner Brad Turner. “I have personally seen the positive impact of how a church’s respite ministry can fill a critical need by giving parents a date night, one-on-one time with siblings, or an opportunity to run errands while their child enjoys fellowship in a safe and welcoming place.”
An example of faith-based respite includes providing a church activity with trained staff for people with disabilities so that parents can enjoy a night out. The grant is designed to provide flexibility to applying organizations to build a respite plan that meets the needs of their community.
The department unveiled this grant program on Tuesday to faith leaders and community nonprofits at its Serenity Symposium at Brentwood Baptist Church, which has a large ministry program for people with disabilities and their families.
DIDD has $500,000 of total funding for this grant program. It is accepting applications for funding until June 14, 2024.
More information and the application process can be found here.
Video about how the respite ministry at Concord Community Church in Brentwood is benefitting families: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quZPhshRzuM.
