MISSION & OUTREACH

During 2025, the Mission and Outreach Nurture team of the Foothills Presbytery Committee on Shared Ministry will highlight partner ministries and mission opportunities every month. Each month's newsletter will include ways to engage in the featured ministry

on the calendar below.

January

Elder Care


Almost every one of us will need elder care, either for a parent or friend, or perhaps ourselves. It can seem like a strange new world where unfamiliar resources are required. It can seem like we are alone going along this path. Social interactions are a key to good quality of life for the person needing care as well as the caregiver. Each of us can help by reaching out to those we know through visits, phone calls, cards, rides, and meals. It is important to remember the caregiver who also benefits from someone who will listen or someone who can fill in for an hour to give a much-needed break.

 

There are organizations that know how to negotiate these new roads, offering solutions to the challenges of aging. Contact information for several resources in Foothills Presbytery is given below. Two of them will be described in more detail - Presbyterian Communities in Easley and Clinton, and Side by Side Respite at John Knox Presbyterian Church in Greenville.


The Committee on Shared Ministry would like to hear more about the many ways that churches in Foothills Presbytery are engaged in Elder Care ministries. Please email April Swanson, CSM Mission Team chair, to share about your ministry or other Elder Care resources in our area.




Residential Care

Many types of care are available in the home and in dedicated care facilities. Care facilities offer the advantage of easy social interaction. Some places like Presbyterian Retirement Communities may offer a variety of levels of care. Most facilities have waiting lists so it is advisable to choose one and pay a deposit months or years ahead of time.  


To learn more, Click here.

Respite Care

Side by Side Respite ministry at John Knox Presbyterian is a volunteer-driven community outreach whose aim is to provide a respite (rest/break/relief) to individuals living with memory loss and their caregivers. Caregivers may bring their loved ones and leave them in the hands of trained volunteers who will guide them through enriching activities and ensure their safety. Participants should be able to function in a group setting, feed themselves, and complete toileting tasks without physical assistance. No medications can be passed and no medical personnel are on staff.


Volunteer Training Opportunity: Tuesday, January 28, 2025

9 am – 12 pm

at John Knox Presbyterian Church, Greenville

 

Trainer: Anna Cain Robinson

Director of the Board for Side by Side, also at Foothills Communities

 

RSVP: call the church office (864) 244-0453

Other Resources

South Carolina Respite Coalition: https://www.screspitecoalition.org/programs-services/

 

Senior Solutions/Meals on Wheels (Anderson, Seneca, Walhalla): https://www.upstateseniors.org/

 

Meals on Wheels of Greenville: https://mealsonwheelsgreenville.org/

 

Mobile Meals of Spartanburg: https://www.mobile-meals.org/

 

Alzheimer’s Association SC: https://www.alz.org/sc 123 W. Antrim Drive, Greenville, SC 29607; 864-250-0029

 

SC Department on Aging: https://aging.sc.gov/

 

GetCareSC.com: https://www.getcaresc.com/

 

Appalachian Council of Governments Senior Advocacy: https://www.scacog.org/aging-services

 

SC Vulnerable Adult Guardian ad Litem: https://aging.sc.gov/VAGAL

 

Shepherds Center of Spartanburg: https://spartanburgshepherdcenter.org/home

 

Senior Action, Greenville: https://senioraction.org/

 

SilverSneakers: https://tools.silversneakers.com/

 

Local YMCA or Recreation Center