About Stella’s Landing
Stella’s Landing is currently offering respite services for Alabama families, providing support to caregivers of neurodivergent children and their siblings on a limited basis.
Need more information on your particular caregiver respite needs?
You can email us at respite@stellaslanding.org or visit our contact page.
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As a nonprofit, our ability to serve depends on the support we receive. Our vision is to provide 24/7 therapeutic respite care in a dedicated facility designed specifically for neurodivergent children and their siblings—a safe and enjoyable “home away from home” where children can stay while their caregivers take a much-needed break, run errands, or recharge.
Until we secure the funding needed to make this vision a reality, we are offering respite care on a limited basis. Stella’s Landing will also strive to be available for emergent respite—for example, during sudden healthcare crisis. With donor support, we can expand our services and provide this vital resource to more families in need.
Stella’s Landing is committed to never adding to families’ financial hardships. The cost will be based on what the caregiver is able to pay without causing hardship for their families. Our goal is to ensure all caregivers of neurodivergent children, regardless of income, can obtain and access occasional respite—up to two weeks per year, utilized however best fits your family’s needs.
Founder’s Story and Inspiration Behind Stella’s Landing
In 2001, the Lord blessed my husband and me with a beautiful baby boy. Since he wasn’t our first child, I quickly realized something was different. He cried almost inconsolably for about twenty hours a day, and we couldn’t really go anywhere with him. No one was willing to watch him, which meant we couldn’t go anywhere without him. It was an isolating time. I had to temporarily stop going to church, Bible study, and even resign from my career to care for my baby. Every day, I prayed for the Lord’s strength, and He reminded me: “My grace is sufficient for you.”
His doctors initially diagnosed him with colic, giving me hope that things would improve—but they didn’t. Not long after, we had a family beach trip planned. Because I didn’t want my older boys to miss out again, I asked my husband to take them to the beach while I stayed home with the baby. I was confident the baby wouldn’t be happy at the beach, and since I was still nursing him, it seemed best. Though reluctant, my husband agreed, and the boys had a wonderful time.
While they were away, a friend invited me to dinner at Cracker Barrel. After some encouragement, I decided to go. The moment we were seated, my baby started screaming his terrified scream. Nothing I did could comfort or calm him. I could feel the judging eyes of everyone around us, and I just wanted to melt into my seat. I asked my friend to order our food to go and took the baby outside.
I had only been outside for a couple of minutes when two elderly women and a man approached me. They shared that they had experienced similar struggles with their own children. Their words of encouragement were a lifeline in that moment, and I prayed that God would never let me forget how hard this season was. I asked God to use me to encourage others going through similar challenges—and He has honored that prayer.
After many years of unexplained behaviors, my son was finally diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at age fifteen. The diagnosis didn’t surprise me—it brought clarity. Today, my son is a wonderful young man of whom I am very proud!
I’ve always strived to be a source of encouragement to other parents struggling with difficult behaviors, but one recent experience shifted my heart in a new direction. I was with a caregiver struggling with a neurodivergent child. The child was kicking, biting, and screaming, and the caregiver seemed at a breaking point. I engaged and asked if there was access to respite care. I was told, “No.” I was shocked. I realized then how much respite would have helped me when my son was young.
That experience ignited a calling in me. I began researching respite care for neurodivergent children in Alabama and found only a few options—often limited to a couple of evenings a month. I felt the Lord leading me to bridge this gap and help caregivers and neurodivergent children who need more support.
Kimberly Conaway
Founder/Executive Director and Mom
My name is Kimberly, and I am the founder of Stella’s Landing. My husband and I have been married nearly thirty years and are parents (biological and adoptive), as well as former foster parents, to several neurodivergent children. We were foster parents for many years and have served in various facets of Children’s Ministries for over twenty-five years, encountering numerous neurodivergent children—including our own.
I am an ANCC Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse (RN-PMHBC) and have worked with children and adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings for many years. As a mental health professional, I am well aware of the gaps in our mental health care system. One significant gap is the lack of available and affordable respite care for caregivers of neurodivergent children.
In our parenting experience, we realized that caregivers of special needs children often face additional stress and expenses while managing their child’s care, including multiple appointments, therapies, and more. Many parents and caregivers, including us, rarely, if ever, have a moment to themselves to just breathe. It is our desire to minister to these incredible caregivers and their neurodivergent children during this challenging season of life.
Our Mission:
Stella’s Landing fosters the relationship between caregivers and the neurodivergent child by providing the following ministries:
- 24/7 Therapeutic scheduled and emergency respite care for the neurodivergent child and their siblings during times of crisis, or whenever extra support is needed.
- An emergency hotline number for caregivers to obtain immediate phone support.
- A support group for caregivers and other supports as indicated.
Our Vision:
With your help, Stella’s Landing provides a safe and nurturing environment for neurodivergent children and their siblings. They receive care, engage in activities, and feel comfortable and loved while their primary caregivers are away.
Evidence has shown that ALL caregivers of special needs children benefit from occasional time for themselves. Stella’s Landing will provide temporary relief for caregivers, giving them time to rest, focus on other responsibilities, or simply recharge while knowing their children are in a safe, supportive environment.
With donor support, we will be able to provide parent and caregiver support groups along with resources to connect families with additional community services.
Stella’s Landing is designed for neurodivergent children and their siblings, from birth to 18 years old. Children must be able to get along with others—absolutely no bullying is allowed. Stella’s Landing will not routinely accept any child whose needs it cannot meet or who may pose a danger to other children. However, if your child struggles with aggression, please call or email us to discuss how we can serve you and your child(ren). Again, we believe all caregivers deserve an occasional time to refresh.
Where We Serve:
Located in central Alabama, Stella’s Landing conveniently serves St. Clair, Jefferson, Shelby, Blount, and Etowah counties, but is available to caregivers of neurodivergent children and siblings throughout the entire state of Alabama—and even surrounding states. Evidence has shown that all caregivers of special needs children benefit from occasional time for themselves. See more resources here
Stella’s Landing is proudly listed on the Community Respite Programs Database with the Alabama Lifespan Respite Resource Network
Stella’s Landing is a proud member of
Alabama Association of Nonprofits