Who we are: Founded in 1987, Respite Care Association of Wisconsin (RCAW) is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) corproation dedicated to supporting caregivers, families, and respite care providers across Wisconsin.
RCAW’s Mission: promote, support, and expand quality statewide respite care across the lifespan.
Our History: For over three decades, the Respite Care Association of Wisconsin (RCAW) has been dedicated to strengthening and supporting caregivers through respite resources throughout Wisconsin. Since its founding in 1987, RCAW has grown from a statewide effort to improve access to safe, reliable, and high-quality respite care into a leading caregiver support organization in Wisconsin.
Expanding a Statewide Vision (1990s–2000s): A significant milestone came in 1999, when Wisconsin adopted its Lifespan Respite Care legislation. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services selected RCAW as its nonprofit partner to help coordinate and strengthen respite efforts across all ages, disabilities, and communities. This partnership positioned RCAW as the statewide hub for developing consistent, quality respite options.
Throughout the following decade, RCAW collaborated with state partners, community agencies, and families to establish a more interconnected respite network—one that acknowledged the distinct needs of Wisconsin’s family caregivers.
Building Tools, Training, and Access (2010s): Beginning in the 2010s, RCAW expanded beyond advocacy and coordination to create practical tools families could use every day. RCAW launched and strengthened programs that became foundational statewide resources:
- Wisconsin Respite Care Registry– a searchable, statewide directory connecting families with trained respite providers.
- Respite Care Provider Training / Certificate Program– free, accessible training aimed at building a more prepared respite workforce.
- Caregiver Respite Grant Program– financial support to help caregivers access short-term, meaningful breaks from caregiving duties.
These initiatives dramatically improved access, equity, and quality across Wisconsin’s respite ecosystem.
Leadership During a Time of Crisis (2020–2023): When the COVID-19 pandemic intensified caregiving challenges, RCAW stepped forward as an essential support system. In partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the organization helped implement a federal three-year Lifespan Respite Grant, strengthening training, updating the provider registry, supporting underserved communities, and assisting families to stay connected to respite services during an unprecedented time.
RCAW’s adaptability and responsiveness during the COVID-19 pandemic were nationally recognized, as evidenced by case studies and national training collaborations.
Growing Statewide and National Impact (2024–Present): Today, RCAW continues to evolve as Wisconsin’s leader in respite care access, workforce development, and caregiver support. The association has become a valued partner in national initiatives, including federally funded projects aimed at enhancing respite provider training nationwide.
With new multi-year grants, expanded outreach, and a strong statewide network, RCAW remains committed to a future where every caregiver can find relief—and every family can thrive.