Yellowknife (Mar 10/06) - Only one month into her new position as a respite worker, Linda Menzies knows the job is a good fit.

"It's a great job and a rewarding thing knowing you are helping a family or a caregiver," Menzies says of her work, which entails providing support to families with children of any age who have disabilities.

Menzies works part-time for the Yellowknife Association for Community Living. She recently moved back to her hometown after living in the south for 10 years.

She says her position is a great opportunity to provide a much-needed hand to parents by being there for the child when the parent needs to run errands or just have a bit of free time.

"I'm helping a family and giving them what they need.

"Getting time for yourself is really hard, so making the time to give it to them is just as much fun," she says.

Menzies was matched up with a family and gives the parents some time alone by assuming the care of the child.

Trained in early childhood development, Menzies says she does different activities with children to give them a break in their daily routine as well.

"Thinking outside the box is very important.

"You have to think what is good for that child and make the situation successful," she says of her role.

There are about 14 respite workers in Yellowknife. Currently, there are 24 families being supported by the association, with more on the waiting list.