THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF SUN CITY CENTER
Breakaway Respite Ministry is a ministry of the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center. It is a ministry of love, providing purpose, meaning, and hope for individuals with memory issues. We provide fellowship and stimulation for people who have memory loss due to Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, or stroke.
We are a group of trained professionals and volunteers who provide supervision, lead activities and provide a hot, nutritious meal each day. Participants socialize with others while enjoying a variety of stimulating activities: Music, Exercise, Bible Study, Arts and Crafts, Intergenerational Activities, and Service Projects.
Respite is a place where individuals can come and share the daily surprises of living and fellowship. Through this ministry, we reach a community of people with dementia who have been isolated, who are losing their identity, and who need connection. Although the projects, lessons, and games run by volunteers of Respite can be fun, the real joy of Breakaway comes from the beauty of our relationships – the give and take of being needed and valued by another in our everyday lives.
Caring for a family member or loved one is gratifying but also challenging. Breakaway Respite Ministry is designed to relieve the caregivers for free time so they can: run errands, take care of business, relax, enjoy a support group, etc. The caregivers enjoy the peace of mind knowing their loved ones are cared for in a safe environment.
Since 90 percent of our participants are male, we could really use more male volunteers.
Respite Ministry Volunteer – Position Description
Job title:
Respite Ministry Volunteer
Job Location:
Our Breakaway Ministry is held at the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center in Creason Hall, in the rear of the building. 1210 Del Webb Blvd West, Sun City Center, FL 33573
Purpose of the Position:
Provide respite for round-the-clock caregivers by providing safe and supervised activities for the ones they care for, thus a chance for the caregiver to step away for a day.
Responsibilities and Duties:
Volunteers are the lifeblood of our ministry. The volunteers work side by side with the participants all throughout the day.
Volunteers are asked to partner with our participants to assist them in the daily activities from greeting, to arts and crafts, trivia, etc. Volunteers sit with the participants at our tables, engaging in conversation, assisting with projects, helping with games, giving the participants a purpose in their day. They help with transition from activity to activity. They assist with serving drinks and snacks. The most important role is one of establishing a relationship with the participants. Our program is very one-on-one in nature. It is hands-on, person oriented. Granted, there are tasks to do, but we primarily ask volunteers to be companions and partners.
As your assigned participant arrives, you greet them, grab them a drink and escort them to their table. Volunteers will stay with the participants at the tables, assist them when we move about, and assist with activities. During the time together, they are encouraged to ask the participants questions, have them tell about their careers, their families, etc. The goal is relationship building.
Qualifications:
Anyone with a heart for respite is encouraged to volunteer. There are no special qualifications other than love of people and the desire to help these special individuals find some purpose and meaning in their lives. All volunteers are required to have a background check prior to volunteering.
Commitment:
The program is held Monday and Wednesday from 10:00 am-2:00 pm. We ask volunteers to arrive at 9:30 am daily to help with set-up and stay through cleanup at about 2:30 pm. Volunteers may sign up to volunteer either day or both days. We schedule two weeks out in case someone has other commitments.
Training:
A comprehensive training program is required for the program. Training is provided several times during the year and everyone is asked to attend as soon after signing up to volunteer as possible.
Next Step: Seniors in Service helps nonprofits throughout Tampa Bay find volunteers like you to help accomplish their mission. Fill out the form below and someone from Seniors in Service will contact you soon to walk you through the next steps to begin volunteering. In question 4, please include the words “Breakaway Respite Ministry.”