Special-needs children and their families in Shelby County will soon be able to enjoy a new respite care ministry called Aaron’s Staff, located at the Linda Nolen Learning Center in Pelham.

Specially-trained volunteers and medical staff will be available to provide respite care to children from birth to 21 years old from 4-9 p.m. on the third Saturday of every month, beginning June 19.

“Respite care gives parents relief from 24/7 care,” said Rhoda Trimble, one of the founders of the Aaron’s Staff ministry. “Some of these children may be homebound and have only their parents at home, and their parents don’t have the luxury of just calling a regular babysitter.”

Tim Trimble, the other founder of Aaron’s Staff, explained the program is named after his late son, Aaron Trimble, who was born with cerebral palsy and died in December 2009 at age 22.

“The biblical Aaron’s rod represents resurrection and life after death, the way we wanted our Aaron’s life to go on through the ministry,” Tim Trimble said.

“It’s important for these parents to know that Tim and Rhoda can not only sympathize with their position, but also empathize,” said Marilyn Schultz, administrative assistant and public relations director for Aaron’s Staff.

The program will include many engaging and educational activities for the children, including animal, music and art therapy as well as physical education.

Aaron’s staff is especially unique because it’s the only program of its kind in Shelby County. In the past, parents from the area have been forced to travel a long way to get the care they needed.

The Trimbles eventually hope the ministry will grow to include an after school daycare program, as well as a multi-county counseling service and hospital ministry for long-term care.

Any special-needs child is welcome at Aaron’s Staff, but parents must first make reservations. The ministry is also completely donation-run and always accepts donations in any amount.

For reservations or to donate, contact Aaron’s Staff by phone at 620-5004 or 261-9914, or by email at aaronsstaff123@gmail.com.

“Every one of these children, their life has a purpose and a plan,” said Tim Trimble. “The impact they have is broad and their life still has purpose even when they pass on.”