Aaron’s Staff Respite Care Ministries

Aaron’s Staff is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing respite for parents and guardians who have children with special needs. The ministry is made up of volunteers from area churches, schools and individuals who give of their time to provide quality care for the children and their siblings while the parents take some time for themselves.

The founders of Aaron’s Staff, Rhoda and Tim Trimble, can identify with the parents and guardians of these children. For 27 years, they took care of their son Aaron, who was the first of their five children and had a severe case of cerebral palsy. The challenges they faced were many and lengthy, and rest was difficult to come by. It has been a dream of theirs for many years to be able to help families who find themselves in similar need. That time has come.

The foundations for Aaron’s Staff were set in March of 2010 and the ministry was launched in June of that same year. The respite is currently conducted at the First United Methodist of Alabaster on Hwy. 119 and at the University Baptist Church in Montevallo, Alabama.

As a ministry, Aaron’s Staff currently provides respite care on two evenings a month. Our vision is to some day be able to provide counseling services (which are now available on a limited basis), small group support, summer day care and a year-round daily program.

Aaron’s Staff is connected to other organizations and agencies through the Alabama Lifespan Respite Resource network which includes Sharing the Care in the Birmingham metro area.

To be able to help “lift the load” and meet the needs of the family on a physical, emotional and spiritual basis is the mission of this great group of directors, medical personnel and helpers. Volunteer with Aaron’s Staff or bring your child/children to one of our respite times currently held on the first or third Saturdays of every month.

A Typical Respite Care Night

While parents enjoy an evening out, their children enjoy an evening of fun with their peers and are encouraged to participate in activities according to their individual abilities. Siblings are welcome! Care is provided for children from infancy to age 21. Exceptions have been made on the age limit and will be determined per each individual interview.

Activities on a typical respite care night include:

Free Time
During this time, children are arriving and they become acquainted with their surroundings, their teachers, and their peers. They use their imaginations while playing with building blocks, play dough, stickers, coloring books, and a large selection of sensory input toys.

Arts and Crafts
Our arts and crafts therapy encourages creativity and aids in concentration. Children express themselves and enjoy self gratification upon completing their projects.

Music Therapy
Music stimulates the senses and involves children at any age, at any level. It facilitates many developmental skills and is highly motivating. It is an excellent way for children to express their emotions. The music selected fosters a positive self image and children are given instruments to play.

Pet Therapy
Interaction with pets can have a positive effect on children. Caring for an animal creates a sense of responsibility. Loving a furry animal can lift an child’s mood and gives them something to focus on outside themselves.

Story Time
Stories ignite children’s interests. Storytelling is interesting and helps children lean about other people, places and things. Children are encouraged to interact and let their imaginations flow. It is an excellent way to interact with a child who has special needs.

Recreational Activities
Children enjoy spending time in the gym, where they can play basketball, ride tricycles, bowl, run and just be kids. The play ground was build especially for children with disabilities and special needs. Recreational activities increase attention spans, improve decision making and increase independence for making choices.\

Movies
Just before parents return to pick up their children, the kids have time to relax and unwind while watching a movie. Movies are carefully selected for content.

Meals and snacks are provided between activities.

Disabilities We Serve

Respite care is available to children from infancy to 21 years of age. Siblings are welcome!

A broad range of disabilities is serviced by Aaron’s Staff, including but not limited to:

• Autism

• Cerebral Palsy

• Cystic Fibrosis

• Down’s Syndrome

• Muscular Dystrophy

• Seizure Disorders

• Spina Bifida

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Visual and Hearing impairments

Aaron’s Staff is unable to serve children with self-injuring or aggressive behaviors or those with a severe psychiatric diagnosis.

Cost and Reservations

There is No Cost, but Reservations are Required. Aaron’s Staff is a non-profit organization, and there is never a fee to the families we serve.

Reservations should be made no later than the Wednesday prior to the day when respite care is desired. Donations are accepted anytime.

Our Personnel

Our personnel are thoroughly trained, some are CPR certified, and have completed our application  and interview process, and have clear criminal background checks. Medical personnel are on site.