Caregiving is demanding with often little rewards. A break is often welcomed to attend to business needs and self-care. Sanctuary Respite Ministry offers care for the loved one with mild to moderate dementia or cognitive decline while the caregiver gets what they need – time on their own and rest. Our social model of care provides quality interaction and involvement by a group of trained volunteers while the caregiver receives a respite. Sessions are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 3pm. They are staffed with trained volunteers from the community. Activities include music, art, crafts, community service projects, cognitive engagement, light exercise, games, pet therapy, and devotions/worship. Participants must be able to be mobile (walk, use a walker or wheel chair), attend to their own bathroom needs, feed themselves, and participate in group activities. We strive to enrich the lives of adults with memory loss through fellowship and engaging activities, while providing resources and support for families and caregivers in the Middle Georgia community. Together we find joy, meaning and connection. Enrollment fee is $40. Each session cost is $30 which includes a snack each session and covers the costs of activity supplies. For more information contact Anita Dailey, Respite Director at 478-259-3627 or sanctuaryrespite@foresthillsmacon.com

Caregiving for a family member or loved one is gratifying, but also challenging. Sanctuary Respite Ministries is designed to relieve caregivers so they can have free time to run errands, take care of business matters, meet with friends, schedule appointments, relax, and attend monthly caregiver support groups and events. Caregivers enjoy peace of mind knowing their loved ones are cared for in a safe, dignified, and loving environment. Sessions are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 3pm. They are staffed with trained volunteers from the community. Activities include music, art, crafts, community service projects, cognitive engagement, light exercise, games, pet therapy, and devotions/worship. Participants must be able to be mobile (walk, use a walker or wheel chair), attend to their own bathroom needs, feed themselves, and participate in group activities. We strive to enrich the lives of adults with memory loss through fellowship and engaging activities, while providing resources and support for families and caregivers in the Middle Georgia community. Together we find joy, meaning and connection. Enrollment fee is $40. Each session cost is $30 which includes a snack each session and covers the costs of activity supplies. For more information contact Anita Dailey, Respite Director at 478-259-3627 or sanctuaryrespite@foresthillsmacon.com

Volunteer Yukie Kobiashi says, “Volunteering is sharing smiles. Volunteering is giving and receiving joy. This is what I feel every time I volunteer. Their smiles are the great reward for me.” Volunteer David Stinson says, “I love seeing the unexpected smiles, laughter and humor that our Friends demonstrate. I enjoy the simple, gentle camaraderie of the volunteers. Our Friends light up as they walk in the room to the hugs and greetings. I know in my heart our Friends enjoy their time in a fast paced and energetic environment that changes so creatively week to week. I look forward to participating and serving each week in such a simple, yet meaningful way. The whole time just feels like the right thing to don, for our Friends and for me. I have learned so much about their stage of life and about myself. I arrive anxious to serve and leave knowing I made a difference within the entire group. Oh, and the treats are a bonus!” Sanctuary Respite is staffed by trained volunteers to support and lead activities during sessions. Sessions are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 3pm. There are a few requirements to insure you are prepared for success in volunteering/leading activities. Forest Hills Church requires all volunteers complete Safe Sanctuaries training annually for protection of vulnerable adults. SRM I – Understanding Dementia and SRM II – Leading for Joy and Fun trainings are required once and is offered throughout the year as needed. Volunteers arrive at 11:30 am prior to sessions to get our “game plan” together for the day. We also stay a few minutes later, typically to 3:15 pm, to clean up the room and put away supplies. To volunteer, please contact Anita Dailey – Director for additional information. Email – anitadailey@foresthillsmacon.com or phone 478-259-3627.

There are several ways to support this ministry without volunteering. You can provide: 1. a scholarship for a friend to attend. The cost is $30 per session. 2. a partial scholarship - $15 per session 3. monies to sponsor our arts and crafts activities that offer engagement for our friends. Any amount is helpful. 4. information to others about this ministry. For additional information please contact Anita Dailey – Director for additional information. Email – anitadailey@foresthillsmacon.com or phone 478-259-3627.