Welcome! As the Program Coordinator of the Florida Lifespan Respite Alliance, I would like to introduce myself and this growing organization. My name is Kasey Cunningham and I am more excited than you can imagine to have this opportunity to work on the development of such a needed organization. Along with an amazing, dedicated Board of Directors, and partnerships with the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida, and the Administration for Community Living, I will be working with stakeholders in our state to provide education and support regarding all things respite related.

The Florida Lifespan Respite Alliance began as a vision of several leaders in the state. These individuals organized a summit and convened to discuss the need for a cross-disability, lifespan "one-stop-shop" for caregivers seeking information and support in the area of respite care. Out of this summit, the idea of a Respite Alliance was formed, and work began to organize such an endeavor. Partnerships were formed with Federal, State, and non-profit agencies. In 2015, Florida became the 34th state in the United States to receive the Lifespan Respite grant through the Administration for Community Living. Because of this opportunity, Florida has support and guidance through ARCH, the National Respite Alliance and Resource Center. The Florida Lifespan Respite Alliance was incorporated as a non-profit organization in December of 2015.

It is the goal and mission of the Florida Lifespan Respite Alliance to promote access to affordable, high quality lifespan respite care services in Florida for family and unpaid caregivers of people of all ages and disability types. Further, the FLRA aims to serve as the focal point and voice for respite care in the state of Florida.

Thank you for visiting our website and blog. We are growing and developing daily, and will update and change frequently as a result. Please visit us often. We are looking forward to working with you as an Alliance member!

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