A new program is providing some much needed relief to Navy families who have children with disabilities.

The program provides up to 40 hours of free respite care each month to members of the Navy who have a child with special needs. The Navy Exceptional Family Member Program Respite Care launched this spring and is first program of its kind to provide for Navy members, though other branches of the military already have similar programs in place.

Respite care has made all the difference for Jessica Huckaby whose husband serves at a Navy base in Washington state. Regular help caring for the couple’s 2-year-old daughter with Down syndrome now means Huckaby has time to run errands, handle chores or just take a nap. Now that she has some help, Huckaby says she’s able to be a better wife and mother.

Currently, the Navy program is available to families in San Diego, Calif., Washington, D.C., Jacksonville, Fla., Norfolk, Va. and Bremerton, Wash., reports the Kitsap, Wash. Sun. To read more click here.

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