The Gathering

The Gathering: Out-of-home Group Respite

The Gathering is a daytime, out-of-home group respite program for caregivers and care receivers. There are many benefits in group respite, especially at The Gathering.

• The Gathering is a safe, enjoyable place for seniors living with long-term illness to socialize. (All participants must have a needs assessment by the Family Caregiver Connection Coordinator prior to participating.)
• The Gathering gives caregivers the opportunity to have several hours respite.
• At The Gathering, members of Anoka County faith communities have the opportunity to share in the care of our community’s seniors.

Dedicated and trained volunteers, supervised by a social worker or nurse, operate the program. Participants can enjoy fellowship, lunch, and activities while caregivers enjoy support group meetings, education, and time away from caregiving. Caregivers may attend support group meetings whether their loved ones participate in The Gathering or not.

Zion Lutheran Church

1601 4th Avenue South, Anoka, MN 55303, see map on Google

This is an opportunity offered in collaboration with Zion Lutheran Church. On the 1st and the 3rd Thursdays, The Gathering offers a support group for caregivers while also offering respite care to caregivers. After the support group, lunch will be available for you and your loved one. Additional respite care is available for care recipients after lunch. If you are interested in respite care, please contact Jill Thomas at 763-324-1608 to complete an assessment prior to participating in The Gathering.

• Will be held 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Thursdays of every month beginning at 10 a.m.

Volunteering to be a Respite Provider at The Gathering

For a respite volunteer job description or more information on volunteering, email Jill Thomas.

Financial Donations
Financial donations are recommended. Read more about donations.