The Gathering in Brooklyn Center

This daytime, out-of-home respite program is for caregivers and their care receivers, who live in Northwest Hennepin County, Minnesota. The Gathering Place is for residents age 55 and older, as well as people with disabilities who are not seniors.

• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - This time of group respite care is for persons with long-term care needs due to memory loss, Parkinson's disease, stroke or other conditions. Participants can enjoy fellowship, lunch and activities while their caregivers enjoy time away from caregiving. Dedicated and trained volunteers, supervised by a registered nurse, operate the program.
• 10 to 11:30 a.m. - Caregivers may attend a support group meeting whether or not their loved ones participate in the group respite program.

Lyla Pagels, RN, faith community nurse coordinator, Mercy and Unity hospitals, is the site coordinator and facilitates the support group. Before participating in the program, please call Lyla at 763-236-4342 to complete an assessment.

The Gathering Place is a partnership between the Faith Community Nurse Program of Mercy and Unity hospitals and the Anoka County Senior Caregiver Network.

The Gathering in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, is offered in collaboration with Brooklyn United Methodist, Brooklyn Evangelical Free, Our Savior's and St. Alphonsus Catholic churches. Other opportunities are in Anoka, Coon Rapids and St. Anthony.

When:   Second and fourth Thursday of every month
Where:   Brooklyn United Methodist Church, 7200 Brooklyn Boulevard, Brooklyn Center, MN
Cost:   A donation of $20 a day is requested. The cost for lunch is $5. Contributions are accepted to support all caregiver services.
Contact:   Jill Agyekum, Anoka County Senior Caregiver Network, 763-422-6960

Related Links

Community partnerships: Faith Community Nurse Program

Anoka County Senior Caregiver Network

How to find Brooklyn United Methodist Church

Caregivers support groups