SCC United Methodist Church starts Breakaway Respite Ministry

By LOIS KINDLE

Caring for a loved one with dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease or any debilitating illness can fatigue and stress even the strongest among us. So it’s critical to take a break periodically to regroup and restore. The United Methodist Church of Sun City Center wants to help.

The Rev. Pam DeDea, associate pastor of the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center, invites the public to an open house from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 24 for area residents to learn more about its new Breakaway Respite Ministry, tour the facility and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
LOIS KINDLE PHOTO

Starting Sept. 30, it will offer a new ministry called Breakaway, a faith-based, social model of respite care. The program will be overseen by Associate Pastor Pam DeDea.

Breakaway isn’t about treatment or medical care. “Our concern is for people to know they’re still needed and have a purpose in life,” DeDea said. “We’re not trying to build membership in the church. We simply want to help people in the community. (Providing respite service) gives us an opportunity to live out the discipleship skills we learn in Bible study classes,” she explained.

Breakaway is modeled after a ministry at a United Methodist Church in Montgomery, Ala. Tasked by this church to develop a respite ministry, gerontology specialist Daphne Johnston recognized the need in her community for people to get a break from their responsibilities as caregivers. Open to the public, the Breakaway program is designed to do just that by providing a safe place where caregivers can leave their loved ones and have four continuous hours to do whatever they please.

Initially, Breakaway will be offered on Mondays and Tuesdays, but the goal is to expand the schedule to four days per week. The cost is $50 per day or $80 for two days in the same week. Trained professionals and volunteers will supervise participants, lead activities and provide a nutritious lunch. Program fees will cover the costs of activity supplies specifically designed for people with memory issues and the lunch provided each day.

All participants must be ambulatory, able to use the bathroom on their own, feed themselves and participate in social activities. They will have the opportunity to socialize, enjoy music, dance, exercise, work on art or craft projects and more.

DeDea said that the Brookdale Foundation Program, of Teaneck, N.J., provided a $10,000 grant to the church to get Breakaway going for its first year. If it’s showing signs of growth, the organization will provide another $5,000 the second year.

There is space for 30 people, and the hope is to have 15 paid and 15 scholarship participants. The scholarships will go to folks who are truly in need. Caregiver support groups are also available from 10 a.m. to noon the third Tuesday of each month.

The United Methodist Church of Sun City Center, 1210 Del Webb Blvd. W, will host an open house from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 24 for area residents to tour the facility, learn more about Breakaway and inquire about volunteer opportunities.

“We’re very excited about getting started,” DeDea said. “We feel this ministry will be a real asset to the community.”

For more information, call 813-634-2539 or email pam@sccumc.com.