CONTACT
Phone:
866-455-7377 ext. 101 or ext. 103 for Spanish-speakers.
A word on respite from Illinois Respite Coalition Executive Director
Hello,
My name is Tina Yurik, and I am the Executive Director of the Illinois Respite Coalition. I accepted this position because I understand the importance of respite and how caregivers can need a break themselves to better care for their loved ones. I have been a part of the IRC for over ten years, and I have volunteered for various nonprofits for over twenty five years. The volunteer IRC board members all have wonderful and varied expertise. We look forward to working hard for families across the state who care for individuals with special needs. We are very proud to be able to provide In-Home respite opportunities through grants We receive. IRC serves the state of Illinois by providing information, referrals, support and funding when available for emergency respite care across the lifespan free of charge. Please feel free to contact the Illinois Respite Coalition to find out more about our services and trainings.
Best,
Tina Yurik
CONTACT THE IRC
Located Statewide
Email:
ilrespitecoalition@gmail.com
IRC Board of Directors
Maggie Lyons
President
Vacant
Vice President
Sherryl Heinz
Treasurer
Natalie Booker
Parent Liaison
Lynn Betts
Parent Liaison
Jenny Somone
Board Member
Cheryl Smith
Board Member
Mary Yurik
Secretary/ Non-Voting Member
About the Illinois Respite Coalition
The Illinois Respite Coalition (IRC) is a not-for-profit organization of caregivers and respite providers dedicated to advocating support for families by ensuring access to quality respite services for the residents of Illinois. The IRC is dedicated to spreading the awareness of lifespan respite for caregivers of individuals with special needs. The IRC is able to assist caregivers by connecting them to resources in their area, provide training on respite topics, and have funding available for emergency respite.
What is respite care?
Respite Care provides temporary relief for caregivers from the ongoing responsibility of caring for an individual of any age with special needs who may be at risk of abuse or neglect. Special needs may include any disabilities, any chronic or terminal physical, emotional, cognitive or mental health condition requiring ongoing care and supervision, including Alzheimer's disease and related disorders, developmental disabilities, and children with special medical needs.
Over one million people in the state of Illinois provide unpaid help to family members who have special needs. it is estimated that if the work of these caregivers had to be duplicated by paid staff, the cost to the state would be 1.3 billion dollars. Respite Care is a gift of time for the caregiver. It alleviates stress and has been shown to improve relationships.