“To increase access to and availability of high-quality respite resources for all caregivers in Alabama.”
Alabama Lifespan Respite is a statewide program of UCP Huntsville. Our statewide programs and services include:
Free online/onsite caregiver education opportunities, including quarterly respite clinics, co-hosted events with caregiver agency partners, and virtual reality experiences.
Respite reimbursement services (planned and emergency).
Respite resource information and referrals for caregivers.
Free CareAcademy respite provider online training with certificates of completion.
Monthly caregiver newsletter.
Caregiving & Family Wellness Initiative supports, including free mental health counseling and monthly caregiver support meetings.
Technical assistance for startup or expansion of community-based respite services.
State, local, and federal advocacy.
Statewide calendar of caregiver education opportunities and events.
Caregiver respite awareness, including presentations and exhibits at conferences and community events, as well as lunch and learns with groups, organizations, churches, and agencies that serve family caregivers.
Since its inception, Alabama Lifespan Respite has evolved from a local pilot into a nationally recognized model for caregiver support. Our mission is to ensure that every Alabama caregiver—regardless of age, income, or diagnosis—has access to the rest and resources they deserve.
The journey began in 1994 with the HEARTS voucher respite program. First piloted in North Alabama by UCP Huntsville, HEARTS proved so successful that it was replicated by UCP affiliates statewide.
In 2000, Alabama Lifespan Respite was officially established. We began by mobilizing a task force of 45 volunteers from state agencies, nonprofits, and the private sector to develop a strategic plan. This roadmap identified critical gaps in service and set the stage for statewide reform.
Our advocacy efforts have consistently bridged the gap between caregiver needs and state policy:
Alabama was a pioneer in the national respite movement, becoming one of the first 12 states to receive a Federal Lifespan Respite Grant in 2009. Working in partnership with the Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS) and a Governor-appointed Coalition of stakeholders, we strive to:
Did You Know? Every November, the Governor issues a proclamation recognizing Respite Awareness Month to honor the tireless work of Alabama’s family caregivers.
Alabama Lifespan Respite is a proud representative to the National Respite Coalition (ARCH). Our commitment to excellence has made us a frequent choice for national collaboration; we have had the honor of hosting the ARCH National Respite Conference in Huntsville three times: in 2007, 2017, and most recently in 2025.
Tracy Cieniewicz has worked in the disability field since 2007 with United Cerebral Palsy of Huntsville and Tennessee Valley, Inc. (UCP Huntsville). Her professional experience includes fundraising, grant writing, program development, assistive technology, public relations, and website administration. She currently serves as director of Alabama Lifespan Respite, a statewide program of UCP Huntsville and staffing entity to the governor-appointed Alabama Lifespan Respite Coalition. In this role, Tracy oversees administration of program staff and activities, program development, grant management, legislative communication, and Coalition activities. Tracy is a graduate of the University of North Alabama and Leadership Huntsville. She is a member of the ARCH National Respite Network member (2018-Present) and serves on a variety of committees to improve caregiver resources statewide.
Jenny Stang joined the Alabama Lifespan Respite team in 2023, bringing with her professional experience in crisis counseling, family advocacy, mental health education, and community outreach. Her focus as caregiver wellness advocate and therapist includes resource education and research-based practices for mindfulness, mental well-being, and holistic self-care for caregivers statewide. Her duties include supporting Caregiver Wellness Initiative activities, and creating, scheduling, conducting, advertising, and curating caregiver respite education trainings, workshops and mental health services for caregivers statewide. Jenny is a 2021 graduate of Liberty University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in social work and a graduate of Troy University where she earned a Master of Social Work degree in 2024. She is a member of the ARCH National Respite Network member (2023-Present).
Carolyn McGlamry, a native of England who moved to Huntsville in July 2016, is a qualified social worker as well as a non-profit grant writer for 10 years in the UK. Carolyn joined the Alabama Lifespan Respite team in April 2018 and assists caregivers enrolled in participating Alabama Cares respite reimbursement programs during her regularly scheduled office hours, M-F, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Kimberly Parker joined the Alabama Lifespan Respite team in 2025. The Caregiver Intake Specialist assists caregivers enrolled in the Universal, DMH, and CRS respite reimbursement programs, as well as those who qualify for Emergency respite, Caregiver Wellness, and education stipends during her regularly scheduled office hours, M-TH, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m.-noon.
