Monthly Respite Care for Special Needs Families - SOARly Needed R&R

Free Respite Events Throughout Kansas City Metro | All Ages & Abilities

Every parent and caregiver needs a break. SOAR's monthly R&R (Refuel & Refresh) events provide free respite care so you can recharge while your loved one enjoys a fun, safe evening of activities with trained volunteers.

Next Event:
October 17th, 2026 | 5:30-8:30 PM
Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fr. Quigley Center, 9201 Summit, Lenexa, KS 66215

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❊ In Detail

What is SOARly Needed R&R?

SOARly Needed R&R events are free monthly respite opportunities for families caring for individuals with special needs or disabilities. Held at various church locations throughout the Kansas City metro area, these 3-4 hour events give parents and caregivers much-needed time to rest, run errands, enjoy a date night, or simply breathe.

We Serve:

All ages (children, teens, and adults)
All diagnoses and disability types
All support levels

Included: Siblings ages birth-13 years have a simultaneous program in a separate space, so your entire family can benefit from respite.

❊ Heads Up

Before you attend…

Please fill out both forms below. This ensures the smoothest experience. Thank you!

Declaration of Consent

Plan of Care

Questions? Contact info@SOARspecialneeds.org or call 816.782.SOAR (7627).

What Happens During R&R?

Your loved one will enjoy a variety of engaging activities in a safe, supportive environment:

Activities Include:

Interactive games and group activities
Arts and crafts projects
Sensory-friendly experiences
Movie viewing with accommodations
Calming worship time
Short devotional message
Snacks and refreshments

Staffing:

Trained volunteers (all background checked)
Medical team on-site
Behavioral support specialists
High volunteer-to-participant ratio

Event Locations & Schedule

R&R events rotate throughout the greater Kansas City area to serve families across the metro. Events are held on Friday or Saturday evenings, typically 6:00-9:00 PM.

Service Area:

Olathe, KS
Overland Park, KS
Lenexa, KS
Shawnee, KS
Kansas City, MO
Lee's Summit, MO
And surrounding communities

Upcoming Location: Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Lenexa, KS - October 17th, 2026

Check back regularly for additional dates and locations!

How to Register

Important: To ensure all families have the opportunity to experience respite, each family may attend one R&R event, then will be placed on a waitlist for future events throughout the year. This policy helps us serve as many families as possible.

Registration Process:

Watch for event announcements (email list, social media, website)
Register online when spots open (they fill quickly!)
Receive confirmation and event details
Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in
Pick up at designated time

Registration opens soon for upcoming events!

Join Our Email List for Event Notifications

Who Can Attend?

Participants: Individuals of any age with special needs or disabilities. We welcome all diagnoses and support levels - from those requiring minimal support to those with significant medical or behavioral needs.

Siblings: Children ages birth-13 years are welcome to attend the sibling program while their brother or sister with special needs participates in the main program.

Cost: FREE! SOAR R&R events are provided at no cost to families thanks to generous donors, volunteers, and host church partnerships.

Health & Safety

Current Policy:
Masks are optional and left to individual family preferences. SOAR follows CDC and local health guidelines.

Health Requirements:

Participants with fever over 100.4°F must stay home
Participants with vomiting or diarrhea must be symptom-free for 24 hours before attending

Safety Measures:

All volunteers are background checked
Medical team on-site throughout event
Behavioral specialists available
Secure check-in/check-out procedures
Trained staff in disability awareness and safety

❊ FAQs

Events are typically held monthly on Friday or Saturday evenings at rotating locations throughout the Kansas City metro area.
If desired, and available, a family may be able to attend half of the respites in a year.
No! The whole point is respite for YOU. Drop off your loved one and enjoy your time away. We'll take excellent care of them.
We welcome ALL participants regardless of support needs. Our medical team and behavioral specialists are equipped to support individuals with complex needs. Please share any important information during registration so we can best prepare.
Yes, dinner, snacks, and refreshments are provided during the event. Please note any allergies or dietary restrictions during registration.
Please bring diapers/change of clothes! We provide all activities and supplies. You may bring any comfort items, medications, or special equipment they need.
You have to be at least 12 years old to volunteer on your own. However, we welcome a younger volunteer to participate with a guardian present.

❊ Volunteer

Volunteer to Make Respite Possible

SOAR R&R events run on volunteer power! Whether you can help at one event or become a regular volunteer, your time makes respite possible for families who desperately need it.

Learn about Volunteering