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Family Respite Care Services, Inc for Rock County was established in 1998. Founded by Ed Timmer, a retired Parker High School teacher, it was largely in part of the Kay Kuffer case. Kay was a 15-year-old Janesville girl who suffered from cerebral palsy. She weighed barely 15 pounds when she died of starvation and dehydration.

After asking a lot of questions and researching the topic, Ed was bothered by what he described as fingers "being pointed in a lot of directions." So he started talking to people.

"The more I learned, the more I saw that the biggest problem was the lack of respite-care providers."

While talking to social workers and to private and public agencies, he met with Valerie Fjalstad and the two began talking about what could be done to improve the situation. The goal of Family Respite Care Services would be to make respite care providers available to parents and caregivers.

Ed knew something would have to improve. "People who need respite care can't get it or on a long waiting list and don't know where to turn, like before and after school, on weekends or in emergencies. They can only call on their relatives or neighbors so many times."

In Rock County and throughout the state, families are faced with long waiting lists for ongoing support and for their respite needs. Family Respite Care Services utilizes a needs based approach, helping families customize respite care to meet their individual families needs.

It was founded to provide services to parents and caregivers who care for individuals with disabilities and other special needs, individuals with chronic or terminal illnesses, and individuals at risk of abuse or neglect.

Current Board of Directors and Staff

For a FRCS Board Application click here.