A local non-profit launching a free program to provide childcare for Upper Cumberland first responders so parents can have a few hours of respite.
The Parents Timeout Program is a service of the Serve Strong, Corbin Scott Goad Memorial Foundation. Foundation President Chester Goad said the organization wants to support those who spend their lives handling emergencies for others. He said families get the gift of time and peace.
“Men and women who serve as first responders, EMS, paramedics, law enforcement, fire fighters, they spend tons of time, they spend their lives showing up for everybody else’s emergencies, and so we wanted to show up for them,” Goad said.
Goad said the foundation utilizes live surveys to identify the unique challenges first responders face, including hypervigilance exhaustion and the inability to relax at home. Research also indicates that children of first responders often experience higher levels of anxiety due to the nature of their parents’ work.
“We want to support them and so this is a way for us to give back,” Goad said. “They don’t have to do anything other than sign up and we’ll take care of the rest.”
The upcoming event will be held at Premiere Athletics in Crossville, with time slots available on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. Families can choose a three-hour window to drop off their children for physical activities in a safe environment.
“It’s basically going to be a time for them to be dropped off and be engaged in some activity, get some physical fitness and have a good time while maybe their parents go spend some time together,” Goad said. “Maybe their parents go take care of a repair that needs to be taken care of.”
While the foundation hosts the event, the Premiere Athletics team will staff the sessions to ensure the children remain engaged. This setup allows parents to leave the premises to enjoy a meal, watch a movie, or simply relax.
“Absolutely, 100% it is free,” Goad said. “It is our honor to provide this opportunity and we hope to be able to do these kinds of things more.”
Interested families can register for the program by visiting servestrong.us/timeout. All local first responders are eligible.