Time Out, a respite program at Temple University’s Center for Intergenerational Learning, has received the 2008 National Family Caregiving Award, given to community-based programs that support family members caring for older adults. For the past 22 years, Time Out has paired Temple students with families in need of in-home respite relief.

“We’re just so thrilled with this award,” said Susan G. Smith, Time Out program director. “You can see the relief we offer when the kids show up at a person’s house. They’re not there to sit and watch TV. They engage the older person and find out what is of interest to them.”

Competition was tough, as Smith notes Time Out beat out more than 100 other non-profits to take the national honor.

The National Alliance for Caregiving, a Washington, D.C.-based coalition of

national organizations, with support from MetLife Foundation, gave the award. Time Out was one of five programs recognized for their innovativeness, effectiveness, and responsiveness to caregiver needs in the communities where they operate.

"Time Out does a wonderful job of helping family caregivers in the Philadelphia area by partnering students with disabled or aging people in the Philadelphia community,” said Gail Hunt, president and CEO of National Alliance for Caregiving. “It gives the caregivers a needed break, and the students have the experience of forming a positive and affirming relationship with people who are aging or disabled.”

In addition to the award, Time Out will receive $25,000 to continue and enhance their support for caregivers. Smith says that money will be used to hire additional staff. To learn more about student respite worker opportunities through Time Out, call 215-204-6970.