Volunteer at The Gathering - A Memory Loss Respite Program
The Gathering at WHPC is a memory loss respite program, where participants engage in activities and socializing while their caregivers get a break. We meet on Wednesdays from 9:30am to 1:30pm, and volunteers plug in when it works for their schedule and for any amount of time, including lunch if they wish. Besides becoming a volunteer, we also welcome one-off presenters for special topics, activities or entertainment.
Our goal is to be in community with each other while having fun, helping families live enriching lives during this journey with dementia, while also sharing resources and opportunities that can help along the way.
How you might help at The Gathering:
Most of the volunteers focus on keeping the participants company, helping them with activities when needed, and making sure they stay within our meeting area. Volunteers help with activity set up, rearranging chairs, collecting dishes, etc. Volunteers can help lead or assist with an activity.
Volunteer photographers would take pictures all or part of the time from 9:30am – 1:30pm and upload them for participants to enjoy.
Volunteers with the Kitchen Crew could help prepare lunch from 10:00am – 1:00pm or clean dishes from 12:30pm – 1:00pm. You could also help prepare for the lunch in advance by shopping or baking treats.
Morning set up help with arranging chairs and decorating takes place from 8:00am to 9:00am.
We would love to have more male volunteers, since at least half of our participants are male.
If you are interested in helping outside of The Gathering hours, you can assist in planning activities and/or administrative tasks.
Please contact memorycare@whpc.org, and either The Gathering Director or the Parish Nurse will contact you to share information and see when you can visit!
