rEcess is a holistic model of ministry that serves the entire family experiencing disability through a respite night.

rEcess is more than
A respite event

It’s a doorway for churches to build real, lasting relationships with the disability community. What begins as a few hours of rest for families—something they rarely experience—quickly becomes a space where friendships grow, perspectives shift, and true community forms. By creating a place of welcome, rEcess doesn’t just offer rest; it fosters connection, belonging, and a deeper understanding between people with and without disabilities.

ATTEND

Enjoy a night of respite and fun. For kids with disabilities, their siblings, and parents.

volunteer

Hang out with some awesome kids and change the story of disability.

start a recess

Start a recess at your local church or community.

find a recess near you

 

recess is:

  • Parents have talked about what a blessing it is to have a night off and several have mentioned they have made it their monthly date night where they go and get to spend time with each other or with other friends that they weren't able to do before recess."

    Sarah Wendelbo (Site Director in Oklahoma)

  • "rEcess was founded on the idea that we bring community to those families affected by disability. We have done exactly that. We do life together with the rEcess families, not just the rEcess event itself. It has opened the eyes of our congregation to the need to love on our recess families."

    Jess Concienne (Site Director in Louisiana)

  • “I’m reminded that my family’s unique story is seen. My daughter with disability is valued for who she is, not noticed for what she’s not. Her siblings are seen for the journey that God has called them to. And, my wife and I get something to count on whereas most things in our life do not often go as planned!“

    Andrew Brill (rEcess parent in Arkansas)

  • "rEcess is a night where every person comes as an equal to enjoy a few hours of fun and community with one another. It's where relationships are built not based on what you can do but on simply who God created you to be."

    Becky Fries (Site Director in Arkansas)

  • "The establishment of coordinated rEcess events and activities was perhaps the most important and impactful step our inclusion ministry took this past year and a half. We have seen our volunteer base, leadership team, and diversity of families supported explode exponentially in number, but more importantly, in depth of care, relationship, and service. rEcess has absolutely changed the way my church views disability and what that means for authentic discipleship and belonging."

    (Site Director in California)

  • “We are wanted as a whole. It feels like a huge picture of wholeness, each person has their role and it ends up being one big party. People and kids are not asked to be something different than they are. I wish people understood how much fun my kids can be when social expectations are lifted off of them and they’re free to be themselves. Unless you come to look for them, they sometimes aren’t seen. rEcess is the place where they are seen.”

    Joel Fankhauser (rEcess Parent in Arkansas)

Attend a Recess

Parents

 Enjoy a well-deserved break—whether that means a quiet dinner, some “me” time, or finally finishing errands stress-free—while knowing your children are safe and cared for.

Kids

Kids experiencing disability get a night of pure FUN, paired one-on-one with a volunteer focused on making it the best night of their week.

Siblings

Siblings get a space to have fun, feel seen, and connect with others who understand their unique experience. Siblings can get overlooked in the spectrum of family care—but not at rEcess! With dedicated volunteers and programming just for them, rEcess is a night where siblings are celebrated too.

Volunteer at recess

rEcess offers a unique opportunity to the church to be the church. For individuals without disability to build meaningful relationships with children and families experiencing disability. When we connect, barriers break down, understanding deepens, and true community is built. By volunteering, you’re not just giving your time—you’re changing lives, offering support, and experiencing the joy of making a real difference.

Explore the map above to find your nearest rEcess, and contact the site director to learn more about volunteering!

it’s your turn to change the story

start a rEcess

rEcess is a powerful way for your church to start or expand the way you love and know families experiencing disability. By starting a rEcess in your community, you create not only a few hours of rest but you continue changing the narrative for your church and beyond. Even opening doors, for families experiencing disability to be part of your church who would not have otherwise. When the Church steps into this space, true belonging happens—will you bring rEcess to your church?