RFA Monthly News and Updates

The RFA Network Keeps Growing!

Respite for All’s network of 65 communities in 18 states now includes locations in four time zones, and we continue to welcome local teams into this growing movement of care for our friends living with Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive issues. Flathead Respite Care hosted by Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Kalispell, MT, and Ocean Shores Friends hosted by Oceans Shores United Methodist Church in Ocean Shores, WA, opened in August. First Methodist Church Enterprise (AL) launched its respite ministry earlier in September. Sango Real Life Church in Clarksville, TN, and Sandpoint United Methodist Church in Sandpoint, ID, will be opening respite ministries in October. Plus, several new communities are already planning openings in early 2026. Thank you for all you are doing to spread this community response to dementia!

Directors Gather to Share Insight and Ideas

In September, several long-serving RFA respite directors joined Daphne for a Think Tank at Lake Martin, where they provided insights about the structures of their programs and brainstormed about additional resources to strengthen respite communities. The directors also offered a special farewell to director Katie Holland, who launched a respite ministry at First United Methodist Church in Dothan, AL, in 2016 and is retiring in January after 10 years as director.

Apollo Takes Off in Texas

Apollo: Respite for All, a ministry that opened earlier this year at St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church in Nassau Bay, Texas, released a beautiful video this month highlighting the value of respite ministry. Take five minutes and take a look: https://www.smgedot.org/stories/respite-all/

APT to Broadcast RFA Documentary

We’re excited to announce that Alabama Public Television has scheduled a showing of RFA’s documentary, A Place of Belonging, for 8pm on Nov. 6 and is also providing the film to other PBS stations for their Silver Generations series!

Save the Date for Whirlwind 2026 Respite Leadership Conference

Speaking of RFA’s documentary, producer Jack York will be one of our keynote speakers during Whirlwind 2026, our annual training conference for respite directors and volunteers, which will be held March 1-3 at Asbury UMC in Birmingham. Jack is founder of TaleGate, a media company that focuses on bringing to life the stories of older adults. Get more details here.

Brain Science Luncheon Sold Out!

The Respite for All team is working feverishly to ensure a wonderful 4^th Annual Brain Science Luncheon. We’re expecting 1,000 people to join us in downtown Montgomery on October 9 to hear Lisa Genova, #1 International and New York Times besting author and neuroscientist. If you’re one of our table hosts and have questions, email jennifer@respiteforall.org.

The mission of the Respite for All Foundation is to inspire, grow, and mentor Volunteer Respite Ministries for communities seeking to minister to persons living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia disorders through education and shared best practices. Visit RespiteforAll.org to learn more.

P.O. Box 6178

Montgomery, AL 36106

Phone: 334-300-3841

Connect with Us