The Gathering

The Gathering: Out-of-home Group Respite

The Gathering is a daytime, out-of-home group respite program for caregivers and care receivers. There are many benefits in group respite, especially at The Gathering.

  • The Gathering is a safe, enjoyable place for seniors living with long-term illness to socialize. (All participants must have a needs assessment by the Family Caregiver Connection Coordinator prior to participating.)
  • The Gathering gives caregivers the opportunity to have several hours respite.
  • At The Gathering, members of Anoka County faith communities have the opportunity to share in the care of our community’s seniors.

Dedicated and trained volunteers, supervised by a social worker or nurse, operate the program. Participants can enjoy fellowship, lunch, and activities while caregivers enjoy support group meetings, education, and time away from caregiving. Caregivers may attend support group meetings whether their loved ones participate in The Gathering or not.

Group Respite Schedule

Coon Rapids Evangelical Free Church

2650 128th Avenue NW Coon Rapids, MN 55448, see map on Google

This is an opportunity offered in collaboration with Coon Rapids Evangelical Free Church, Coon Rapids, MN The Gathering offers a support group for caregivers while also offering respite care to care receivers. After the support group, lunch will be available for you and your loved one. Additional respite care is available for care recipients after lunch. If you are interested in respite care, please contact Jill Agyekum, Family Caregiver Connection, 763-324-1608 to complete an assessment prior to participation in The Gathering.

Coon Rapids United Methodist Church

10506 Hanson Boulevard NW Coon Rapids, MN 55433, see  map on Google 

This is an opportunity offered in collaboration with Coon Rapids United Methodist Church, Coon Rapids, MN The Gathering offers a support group for caregivers while also offering respite care to care receivers. After the support group, lunch will be available for you and your loved one. Additional respite care is available for care recipients after lunch. If you are interested in respite care, please contact Jill Agyekum, Family Caregiver Connection, 763-324-1608 to complete an assessment prior to participation in The Gathering.

First Lutheran Church

1555 40th Ave NE Columbia Heights, MN 55092, see map on Google

This is an opportunity offered in collaboration with First Lutheran Church, Columbia Heights, MN The Gathering Place offers a support group for caregivers while also offering respite care to care receivers. Please contact Jill Agyekum, FCC, 763-324-1608 for further information and an assessment before participating in respite care.

Linwood Covenant Church

6565 Viking Blvd NE, Wyoming, MN 55092, see map on Google

This is an opportunity offered in collaboration with Linwood Covenant Church, Linwood, MN The Gathering Place offers a support group for caregivers while also offering respite care to care receivers. Please contact Jill Agyekum, FCC, 763-324-1608 for further information and an assessment before participating in respite care.

Zion Lutheran Church

1601 4th Avenue South, Anoka, MN 55303, see map on Google

This is an opportunity offered in collaboration with Zion Lutheran Church. On the 2nd and the 4th Thursdays, The Gathering offers a support group for caregivers while also offering respite care to caregivers. After the support group, lunch will be available for you and your loved one. Additional respite care is available for care recipients after lunch. If you are interested in respite care, please contact Jill Agyekum at 763-324-1608 to complete an assessment prior to participating in The Gathering.

Volunteering to be a Respite Provider at The Gathering

For a respite volunteer job description or more information on volunteering, email Jill Agyekum

Financial Donations
Financial donations are recommended. Read more about donations.

Needs Assessment

All participants must have a needs assessment by the Family Caregiver Connection Coordinator prior to participating. To schedule a Needs Assessment, call Jill Agyekum, coordinator of the Family Caregiver Connection. Call 763-324-1608 or email Jill Agyekum.