Caregiver Respite

Three Rivers Community Action is a nonprofit human service organization created by local citizens and incorporated in 1966. Three Rivers' mission is “to work with community partners to address basic human needs of people in our service area, thereby improving the quality of life of the individual, family and community.”

Three Rivers Community Action serves primarily families experiencing low-income. However, it also serves the community at large by creating a healthier environment for all citizens regardless of economic status. The agency serves people in a variety of ways: homeownership, keeping them warm and sheltered, employing them, healing them, educating them, transporting them, feeding them and involving them.  Three Rivers does not discriminate against participants due to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disabilities, creed, gender identity, marital status, citizenship or veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

In the professional community of human services, Three Rivers Community Action plays an important role. Three Rivers advocates for our clients at the local, state and federal levels. The agency has developed a comprehensive networking system with various human service agencies in order to best serve our clients. These collaborative relationships allow agencies to maximize their resources to serve families and communities. Three Rivers is an agent of change within the community, paving the way for understanding and acceptance.

Three Rivers has grown over the past 50+ years from serving 100 clients to over 15,000 people each year. The agency's operating budget has increased from the original $60,000 federal grant to over $12 million, including federal, state, local and private resources.

Our broadest impact is on the people we serve. We fulfill dreams of homeownership for single parents, people with disabilities and diverse families. We keep seniors in their homes with home delivered meals, transportation and energy assistance. Through the Head Start program, we provide school readiness for children and a variety of services for the entire family. We strive to serve people better wherever they are in life, from homelessness to homeownership, and everywhere in between.

Objective of the Program:

To provide respite to a primary caregiver, while providing non-medical, volunteer support care to an older care recipient.

For the purpose of this program, we will define Respite Care as “providing in-home supervision on a voluntary basis that gives relief to the primary caregiver from the daily responsibilities of care for the older adults 65 or older”.

Nearly 65.7 million people in American (640,000 in MN) care for an older or disabled family member. While caring for an older family member can be a rewarding experience, it can also become physically and emotionally exhausting. Caregivers need to know that by taking time out for themselves, they will be better able to provide long-term care for their loved ones. The ability to take this time is dependent on the availability of others to help. This is why respite is so important.

We are living in times of increasing need, insecurity, and limited resources. This means piecing together assistance from all parts of the support system, formal and informal. It is a cooperative effort and Three Rivers Community Action volunteers are just one part of this tapestry.

Training Provided: 

Volunteers will be asked to attend an in-person training to discuss greater details of the program. At the training volunteers will learn the roles and responsibilities of a Respite Volunteer, be given useful tips and advice for engaging with both caregivers and older adults.