Hope Haven offers respite and friendship for families facing dementia

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - On Welcome to Our Community we introduced you to a local resource designed to help families navigating dementia.

Cathy Baxter is the director of Hope Haven, a ministry program based at St. John’s Church. The program provides respite care for loved ones living with early to mid-stage dementia—and just as importantly, it provides caregivers time to breathe.

A place for members—and relief for caregivers

Hope Haven’s days are intentionally upbeat and engaging. Baxter says each gathering has a theme, and the group moves through activities in short blocks—about 15 to 20 minutes at a time—to help maintain attention and participation.

Those activities can include:

• Games and “brain” activities
• Music
• Light physical exercise, including chair yoga
• Conversation and social connection
• Lunch shared together

But the heart of the program isn’t just the schedule—it’s what the schedule makes possible.

“Caregivers are definitely our heroes,” Baxter says. “But even our heroes need rest.”

She explains that many caregivers pour all of their time and energy into a loved one and still hesitate to ask for support.

“The hardest thing for me to hear from a caregiver—when I can tell they’re giving their whole self—is, ‘I don’t need help yet.’”

Baxter says respite can help caregivers return with renewed strength and resilience, which can benefit the entire household.

Why social connection matters in dementia care

Hope Haven focuses on people in the early to mid stages, and Baxter notes a reality many families don’t realize: by the time someone receives a formal diagnosis, they’re often already in the mid stages.

Even in earlier stages, dementia can quietly change daily life. Baxter says some people begin to withdraw—skipping social plans, feeling uncomfortable in fast-moving conversations, or losing the initiative to get out and engage.

That isolation can have consequences.

“Research and experience has shown that when individuals do isolate, dementia actually progresses more quickly,” Baxter says. “So that socialization is extremely important.”

And while some may call it “daycare,” Hope Haven sees it differently.

“We like to say we’re a social club,” Baxter says.

Anyone who walks in, she adds, will likely hear laughter, music—and see genuine friendships forming.

Everyone participates—no labels required

One of the most unique parts of the program is that Hope Haven doesn’t separate people into categories.

“We don’t say who’s a volunteer and who is a member,” Baxter explains.

That approach allows individuals in earlier stages to naturally support others who may be further along—without anyone feeling singled out.

“We all have our own challenges in life,” she says. “So we can all help each other. We’re all participating. We’re all enjoying time together.”

How the community can help

Baxter says the simplest way to support Hope Haven is to spread the word—especially to families who may not know programs like this exist.

“Word of mouth is the way that people find out about these programs,” she says.

She also encourages families to visit.

“There’s no commitment if you want to come spend a day,” Baxter says. “Call me and we’ll have a chit chat… and then you’ll be invited to step in and see us in action.”

And volunteers are essential.

“Volunteers are the absolute backbone of our ministry,” Baxter says. “Without volunteers, we really have no program.”

Hope Haven aims for a one-to-two volunteer-to-member ratio to ensure personal relationships and meaningful support.

If you’d like to learn more, visit, or volunteer, Hope Haven welcomes the conversation—because for families facing dementia, knowing they’re not alone can make all the difference.

For more information on the program, click here.