Chattanooga
Autism Center
Respite, Childcare, and Day Programs
DISCLAIMER: The CAC has compiled lists of autism-related resources in our region to help you save time searching for them on the web. This list of service providers is for informational purposes only and being listed does not constitute the endorsement of the CAC.
If you would like us to add a resource or update a resource, contact us at 423-531-6961 opt. 0 or email info@chattanoogaautismcenter.org
Provides childcare for children with special needs, including those suffering from all mental, physical, and developmental disabilities, as well as respiratory, neurological, and cardiovascular conditions.
Proudly serving Apison, Charleston, Chattanooga, Cleveland, Collegedale, East Brainerd, East Ridge, Georgetown, Harrison, Hixson, Lookout Mountain, Ooltewah, Sale Creek, Signal Mountain, Soddy Daisy, Walden and surrounding areas within Cleveland and Hamilton Counties.
Contact: Amy Collett
Email: amy.collett@brightstarcare.com
Phone: Office, (423) 296-6640 or Mobile, (423) 509-7467
Website: https://www.brightstarcare.com/​
Location: 6025 Lee Highway, Suite 449 Chattanooga, TN 37421
This FREE monthly Parents Night Out program held for Kids with special needs (ages 2 – 16) and siblings (ages 4 – 5th grade). It is a nationally recognized program developed by Nathaniel’s Hope, that uses a network of churches to serve special needs kids and families. It gives caregivers a 3 hour break while the kids make new friends, have fun, enjoy crafts, music, activities and more.
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When: 3rd Friday of each month
Where: Grace Pointe Assembly of God, 6613 Hixon Pike, Hixon, TN 37343
Website: www.BuddyBreak.org
You MUST RSVP in advance to take advantage of this opportunity to DeAnna Edwards at: gphixson.buddybreak@gmail.com
This program is designed to primarily provide direct financial assistance and support services for Georgia’s medically fragile and special needs children who do not meet the level of care requirements for the TEFRA/Katie Beckett Medicaid Program and has received a level of care denial.
Eligibility Criteria: (1) applied for Katie Beckett and received a level of care denial, (2) age 21 and under, (3) live at home, (4) live in the state of Georgia, (5) have a physical, cognitive, developmental or medical disability, (6) currently is not receiving any state assistance, (7) current Medicaid recipients are not eligible for this program.
Services covered: Respite care, Medical supplies and equipment, Medical services and therapies, Dental and optical services, Travel reimbursements for medical appointments, Recreational or therapeutic activities, other services related to the child’s disability not covered by other payment sources, Referrals to Parent to Parent of Georgia and other resources
Contact: Champions Intake Coordinator at 1 (866) 584-3742 to begin the screening process.
Website: www.championsforchildrenga.org
Fun with Friends, under non-profit Love Nancy, provides community-based activities to young adults with special needs. Programs include:
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Employment services: providing transportation to and from local business employment and to act as liaison between client and employer.
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Volunteer opportunities: provide service hours to local charitable organizations and nursing homes.
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Fitness activities: walking, cardio videos, outdoor games, and fitness classes.
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Social activities: bowling, movies, field trips, dining out, fund raising, fishing, swimming, athletics, etc.
Location: 697 Blythewood Rd. SW Cleveland, TN 37311
Phone: (423) 715-3092
Email: cpatten@lovenancy.org
Website: facebook.com/funwithfriends2015
Life Bridges provides Day Services for individuals with a wide range of ability levels; from those learning personal hygiene skills to those ready to train for a job in the community. These services are provided in home, at the main facility, as well as out in the community. Outings and activities focus on a variety of skill building and exploring; including volunteering, learning about jobs, and focusing on pursing interests.
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Location: 764 Old Chattanooga Pike SW, Cleveland, TN 37311
Phone: (423) 472-5268
E-mail: lifebridges.info@lifebridgesonline.com
Website: https://lifebridgesonline.com/
Night OWLS (Night Out With a Loving Sitter) is a respite care program designed to be an evening of care and fun for children with special needs and their siblings. Our trained volunteers provide individualized care for each child and participate in pre-planned activities and events according to each child’s interest. A nurse is present to assist with any medical needs. An off-duty policeman is present to insure security and a quick emergency response if necessary.
Night OWLS is held 8 months out of the year. It is not offered in December, January, July or August.
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When: 1st Friday of certain months, 6-10pm
Where: Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church, 612 James Boulevard, Signal Mountain TN
Website: https://signalpres.org/nightowls/
The Relative Caregiver Program is designed to support grandparents and other relatives raising children to whom they are related through blood, marriage or adoption. Support services are also provided for the children and teenagers in Relative Caregiver families. Services include: Information and Referral, Counseling, Caregiver Support Groups, Activity / Support
Groups for Children and Teenagers, Educational Workshops, Respite and Recreation, Family Advocacy, Outreach and Emergency Financial or StartUp Assistance. The Program is funded by the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services. Serves Franklin County in addition to the SETAAAD counties.​
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Phone: 1 (866) 735-8752 – Rings in our Chattanooga Office
Website: https://www.setaaad.org/108/​
Safe Families for Children is a network of families who volunteer to care for your children so you can get back on your feet. Their goal is to keep families together. Once you feel like you and your home environment are stable and healthy, they work with you to reunite with your family as soon as possible. They serve families who lack social networks and live in isolation without the support of family and friends dealing with crises such as homelessness, unemployment, child abuse, domestic violence, medical emergencies and alcohol/drug rehabilitation. To get help, visit the Safe Families website to fill out a form or call/email your local Safe Families for Children chapter.
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Ages Served: Birth to age 18
Website: https://safe-families.org/
Phone: (423) 305-4415 / (423) 662-7360
Location: 930 McCallie Avenue Chattanooga, TN 37403
Email: chattanooga@safefamilies.net
This organization has specialized in senior care but is now hiring staff with experience autism and are serving adults on the spectrum.
Services include:
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Cooking
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Light housekeeping
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Companionship
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Personal grooming and dressing*
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Shopping
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Doctor visits
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Transportation
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Mobility assistance
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Overnight stays (24-hour care)
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Long-distance check-ins
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Respite care​
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Website: http://www.seniorcarechattanooga.com
Phone: (423) 883-6469
Location: 5901 Shallowford Road #200, Chattanooga TN 37421
Email: brian@seniorcarechattanooga.com
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Also doing business as Senior Care, LLC
Provides Provides services to anyone aged 18 and up with a clinical diagnosis of a physical disability. Program operates from 8:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. and provide a nutritionally-balanced breakfast and lunch. Programs follows a Social Model of treatment. Attendees have the opportunity to socialize while developing, maintaining, or increasing both their work and independent living skills.
Location: 109 North Germantown Road, Chattanooga, TN 37411
Contact: Courtney Chandler, (423) 698-8528 ext. 800
Email: courtney_chandler@signalcenters.org
Website: https://signalcenters.org/index.php/adult-day-services/
The STAR Center provides services for education, employment, and quality of life for all ages and needs. They will help a child learn to read, help a person get their first job, and help the elderly stay in their homes. They are dedicated to making West Tennessee a place where people with disabilities can make their dreams a reality.
Web address: https://www.star-center.org/home-care/
Location: 1119 Old Humboldt Road, Jackson, TN 38305
Phone: (731) 554-5104
Email: mallory.garrett@star-center.org
Serves most counties in Middle and West TN.
The CCR&R helps parents seeking child care find the best fit for their unique situations and needs. Child Care Resource and Referral Specialists are located across the state and also provide training & technical assistance to child care providers in all 95 counties in Tennessee.
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Whether you are a parent seeking child care resources, a child care provider seeking help with your work, an employer trying to assist parents in your organization, or a community member involved with children, The CCR&R will help you obtain the information you need. Their website also has a video on Health and Safety and information on TN Child Care Provider Trainings (TNCCPT).
Website: http://www.tnccrr.org/
Address: 109 N Germantown Road, Chattanooga, TN 37411
The Tennessee Respite Coalition's (TRC's) mission is to help primary caregivers who are caring for someone with special needs in the same home. While the TRC can help with identifying the resources for your self-care plan, you are empowered to select the appropriate programs, facilities or individuals to care for your loved one during your break.
Their website is great if you are a caregiver, or a person wishing to help out a caregiver who needs a break and could use respite care in their home. To learn more about applying for Respite Vouchers or other supports, contact them via phone or through their website:
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Website: http://www.tnrespite.org/
Address: 2200 21st Ave. South, Suite 310, Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: (888) 579-3754