Annual Brain Science Luncheon Features "Blue Zones"

On October 22, we were thrilled to welcome 650 guests for Respite for All’s third annual Brain Science Luncheon, which featured Blue Zones VP Dan Buettner Jr. as keynote speaker. RFA began this event in 2022 as an opportunity to bring experts to our local community, Montgomery, AL, to discuss the latest advancements in maintaining brain health. This year’s luncheon featured secrets from the Blue Zones, which are parts of the world known for their longevity and health made famous by the hit Netflix series. If you’d like to see photos from the day, take a look: 

Dementia Art Training for Directors

The Respite for All Foundation and Opening Minds through Art (OMA) began a groundbreaking partnership this year, thanks to a grant from the Arthur N. Rupe Foundation that enabled us to bring a group of nearly 60 directors and volunteers to Montgomery to discover techniques enabling individuals with dementia to create abstract art. On September 30, we enjoyed a wonderful, full day of training at the Church of the Ascension, where the OMA team led members of the RFA Network through art activities and education.  

New Communities Now Opening

Several new respite communities opened in October, including locations in McDonough, GA; Rock Hill, SC; Vestavia Hills, AL; Viroqua, WI; and Eau Claire, WI, and we continue to hear from more communities around the country ready to join the Respite for All movement! 

Discipleship Growth through Respite Ministry

On November 7, UMC Bishop Lawson Bryan, an RFA Board member, and Dr. John Bell, a local volunteer, are conducting a webinar to showcase their research on how volunteers grow in their discipleship during their involvement with respite ministry. Get the Details. 

Save the Date

A Whirlwind of Leadership, Creativity and Inspiration

Respite for All's 6th Annual Training Conference

March 2-4, 2025

Canterbury UMC, Birmingham, AL

The mission of the Respite for All Foundation is to inspire, grow, and mentor Respite Volunteer 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.