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It is like the seed put in the soil - the more one sows, the greater the harvest.
--Orison Swett Marden
The Gathering
Providing a safe and enjoyable environment for those who are experiencing early- or mid-stage stage memory loss and giving respite to caregivers who desire a break.
What is the Purpose of The Gathering?
- Provides a safe and enjoyable place for individuals who are experiencing early- to mid-stage memory loss.
- Presents a time of respite to caregivers who need a break.
- Gives volunteers the opportunity to serve their neighbors.
How Can I Get Involved in The Gathering?
To learn how to volunteer or participate in The Gathering, contact:
Carolyn Klaver, RN
Coordinator of The Gathering
Lyngblomsten
(651) 414-5291
cklaver@lyngblomsten.org
The Gathering does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, gender, handicap,
familial status, or national origin.
How Often and Where Does The Gathering Meet?
The Gathering meets from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the following sites:
Centennial United Methodist Church Salem Lutheran Church 1st & 3rd Thursdays 600 Hopkins Crossroad Minnetonka, MN 55305 Calvary Lutheran Church | 1st Presbyterian Church White Bear Lake Bethlehem Lutheran Church Parkview United Church of Christ |
How much does it cost to participate?
A $25 fee helps defray the costs for The Gathering day, which runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Gathering.
Please Note: Effective March 1, 2010, the fee will be $45 per Gathering day.
What Can I Expect at The Gathering?
Participants arrive at the site by 10:00 AM and enjoy a morning of activities. Following a nutritious lunch, participants are involved in another series of stimulating activities and socializing. Each Gathering accommodates a maximum of 8 participants.
Activities include things such as music and sing-a-longs, crafts, cards, discussion groups, current events, special speakers, chair exercises, and field trips.
The Gathering is staffed by dedicated volunteers who have been specially trained to understand the distinctive needs of persons experiencing memory loss.
For participants living in Dakota County, transportation to The Gathering can be arranged through DARTS.
Who Benefits From The Gathering?
Participants
Participants enjoy fellowship, food, and stimulating activities and helps prevent the isolation that so often happens to persons who have memory loss.
This is my social club. I get to visit, laugh, sing, and have an enjoyable day.
--Margaret S., Participant
Caregivers
Caregivers appreciate the opportunity to have five hours of respite and feel comfortable knowing their loved one is in a safe, stimulating environment.
For me, it is a blessing to see her involved in something she enjoys, looks forward to, and leaves with warm feelings. This fills a niche I cannot provide.
--Oliver J., Caregiver
Volunteers
Volunteers serve by planning and helping with activities, providing transportation, and socializing.
Having cared for a parent with dementia, I know how wonderful it is to have a few hours of respite for the caregiver.
--Jim N., Volunteer
The Gathering is a collaborative partnership of:
Lyngblomsten Services
Amazing Grace Lutheran Church, Inver Grove Hts
Augustana Lutheran Church, West St. Paul
Bethesda Lutheran Church, Inver Grove Heights
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Minneapolis
Calvary Lutheran Church, Golden Valley
Centennial United Methodist Church, Roseville
Christ the King Lutheran Church, White Bear Lake
Church of St Joseph, West St. Paul
First Presbyterian Church, White Bear Lake
First Universalist Church, Minneapolis
Judson Memorial Baptist Church, Minneapolis
North East Consortium of The Gathering
North West Consortium of The Gathering
North Presbyterian Church, North St Paul
Oak Knoll Lutheran Church, Minnetonka
Parkview United Church of Christ, White Bear Lake
Redeemer Lutheran Church, White Bear Lake
St. Barnabas Lutheran Church, Plymouth
St. John’s Episcopal Church, White Bear Lake
St. Joseph’s Parish, New Hope
St. Mary of the Lake, White Bear Lake
St. Pius X, White Bear Lake
St. Stephen Lutheran Church, White Bear Lake
St. Timothy Lutheran Church, St. Paul
Salem Lutheran Church, West St. Paul
South East Consortium of The Gathering
White Bear Lake United Methodist Church
Alzheimer’s Association
The Gathering is coordinated by Lyngblomsten.
The Gathering is made possible by the generous contributions of individuals and the following:
Lyngblomsten Foundation - Brookdale Foundation - Andersen Foundation
Stevens Square Foundation - LSA/Thrivent Aging in Community Initiative
If you would like to make a donation to The Gathering, contact the Lyngblomsten Foundation at 651-632-5324,
or click here to go to the Lyngblomsten Foundation web page.