A Brief History of Dementia’s Future: How the Respite for All Movement Began Changing the World by Creating Communities of Belonging in Churches Acros

A Model of Care for Our Neighbors

Minnie Lamberth tells the history of the Respite for All movement led by her visionary friend Daphne Johnston - and the growing enthusiasm for this community response to dementia.

Johnston’s mission is to show churches how they can create a volunteer-based respite ministry that supports individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive issues. But there’s a lot more happening here than the love and support families are receiving. Volunteers are finding new purpose. Churches are being revitalized. And neighbors are sharing tables of belonging in their communities.

These joyful, engaging ministries being launched across the country can be replicated in any location by any type of faith group, creating ripples of hope that will last long into the future. Of course, the lessons the Respite for All team learned during the initial years of this movement can apply as well to other ministries that are deeply needed in our communities. But the most important takeaway is simply this: you too can make a difference, starting today.