The Illinois Respite Coalition is dedicated to increasing public awareness of the importance of Lifespan Respite, promoting education and training for families and providers of respite services, and advocating support for caregivers by ensuring access to quality respite services for the residents of Illinois. No matter where you fit in the respite world, the Illinois Respite Coalition will be a support system for you. We have referral resources to connect caregivers to respite programs, access to statewide training opportunities, and can show you where to make the biggest impact to help caregivers in Illinois. The IRC is dedicated to creating a safety net for caregivers in crisis. The Emergency Respite Program offers funding and resources to support caregivers of children and adults with special needs who are not receiving any respite services and have an urgent need for respite care in the absence of any other funding source. Qualifications include care recipients who are at risk if the caregiver does not receive these services. Examples include caregiver illness, hospitalization, reduction of stress level, risk of lost of employment, and several more. If you feel that respite could benefit you, please contact Rebecca Galvan, Statewide Respite Coordinator, for more information at (630) 207-8479 or by email at galvanr@maryvilleacademy.org.