RESPITE CARE
Care Ministries
Focused on ...
RESPITE CARE
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The Gathering is a program that meets at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Twin Cities , Minneapolis Campus , and is coordinated by Avinity Senior Living . The program is sponsored by a consortium of area churches including St . Joan of Arc , St . John ’ s Lutheran , Lynnhurst Congregational , Lutheran Church of Christ the Redeemer , First Universalist , Judson Baptist , and Bethlehem Lutheran Church Twin Cities . The Gathering provides a day of stimulating activities to engage the minds and bodies of those experiencing early- to midstage memory loss , giving their caregivers a day of respite .
The Gathering , with an average of 10 attendees each week , meets the first four Thursdays of each month and is staffed by a group of specially trained volunteers . Volunteer training and application screening for prospective participants is provided by Avinity staff . Avinity is a local , compassionate , faith-based supportive services provider .
" The Gathering is just one of the many ways that we at Bethlehem and others from outside our parish glorify the name of God . I am blessed to be a part of this and I hope we can continue this program for a long time ." — Janet Scott
If you ' re interested in volunteering with The Gathering ... There are several opportunities to serve . The weekly groups are led by Lead Volunteers who plan the entire day around a topic . The one-on-one volunteers are present to enjoy the day with their assigned participant . The goal is for each participant to have a 1:1 volunteer . Nutritious lunches are prepared and served by volunteers who enjoy cooking and serving others . Another volunteer opportunity is for lunch helpers who assist with serving the meal and cleaning up the kitchen . ( Note that background checks and training are provided by Avinity .) A new position has been created for volunteers to bring the morning treat for the group . If you have time and interest we welcome you to join us in supporting this wonderful program !
Opportunities to volunteer :
1:1 Volunteers : Sign up for dates you are available as often as your schedule allows . Once a month or every other month is great . Even if you travel , we can use your help when you are in town ! Lunch Help Volunteers : Arrive at 11:30 and stay until 1:30 . Set the table , assist the cook with serving and cleaning up . Sign up as often as you are able . Morning Treat Volunteers : Bring a treat ( bakery goods are favorites ) to be served during coffee time , which starts at 10:00 a . m . The treats can be dropped off on Thursday mornings or the day before and left in the kitchen ( instructions will be provided about dropping off food ). For more information about volunteering with The Gathering , contact Bethlehem Twin Cities Social Worker Pam Gerber at pgerber @ bethlehem-church . org or 612.312.3366 .
" As a Gathering volunteer for several years I have found much satisfaction in spending time with individuals with dementia . It is interesting to learn from them tidbits of their former lives and know that the essence remains . We laugh a lot , sing together , eat lunch together , all elements of our common humanity ."
— Julie Howard
If you ' re interested in The Gathering as respite care ...
Those who attend The Gathering can expect to learn , laugh , sing , eat , and enjoy good company . Prior to enrollment , a caregiver and their loved one experiencing memory loss meet with an Avinity Respite Solutions professional for an assessment and conversation about how The Gathering can meet their needs . Participants pay a sliding scale session fee which is billed monthly . For more information about enrollment in respite care with The Gathering , contact Sarah Ethridge at Avinity at sethridge @ AvinitySeniorLiving . org or 612.598.0670 .