Rooted in faith. Built on love.
Hope Arbor is a ministry of Isle of Hope United Methodist Church, born from the conviction that every person — at every season of life — is precious and worthy of joy.What is respite?
Respite is short-term, compassionate care that gives family caregivers a chance to rest, recharge, and tend to the rest of their lives — while their loved one enjoys fellowship, activity, and loving supervision in a safe community. To learn more about the broader respite movement that inspires our ministry, we invite you to watch the Respite for All video below.
A place of belonging
The Respite for All ministry began with a simple conviction: every person deserves community, purpose, and joy — regardless of the challenges they face. Watch this reflection on what it means to create a place where Friends and caregivers alike are welcomed as family.
What a day at Hope Arbor looks like
Each day is designed to bring joy, purpose, and connection. Here's a glimpse of what to expect when our Friends arrive each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
- 10:00 am
Welcome & Coffee Time
Volunteers help to meet and greet each Friend by name. They are met with a warm smile, a kind word, and a cup of coffee to help start the day.
- 10:30 am
Music / Morning Activity
Crafts, storytelling, brain games, service projects, and conversations often tailored to each days theme.
- 11:00 am
Devotion
A sweet time of devotion with an uplifting message of God's love.
- 11:10 AM
Chair Exercise
Seated exercises designed to strengthen and stretch our body and mind.
- 12:00 PM
Nutritious lunch together
A shared meal around the table — a centerpiece of Hope Arbor's fellowship.
- 1:30 pm
Closing & farewell
A few favorite songs and warm goodbyes until next time — music reaches places that memory often cannot. Many days you will hear our Hope Arbor family singing Goodnight Sweetheart, Goodnight on their way out the door.
Scenes from Hope Arbor
Our mission
We provide fellowship, stimulation, and loving supervision for adults living with memory loss due to Alzheimer's, dementia, Parkinson's, or stroke — and meaningful respite for the families who care for them.
Who we serve
Our doors are open to any adult in the Savannah area living with cognitive change. Participants come from many faith backgrounds, neighborhoods, and walks of life. What they share is a deep human need to be seen, heard, and known — and that is what Hope Arbor exists to honor.
Our approach
Trained program directors along with a devoted team of volunteers lead each day. The morning unfolds with coffee, music, conversation, gentle activity, plus a shared lunch. We move at a pace that respects each participant, and we celebrate the small, sacred moments that come with being together in community.
A new brochure for new neighbors
We updated our program brochure to better welcome families just beginning the dementia journey. If you know someone who might benefit from Hope Arbor, please pass it along.
"The spirit of Hope Arbor carries over into our home. I hear him singing the old hymns he loves all during the day."
— Caregiver
Ready to join us?
Contact us to learn more about enrolling your loved one in the Hope Arbor program.
Get in touch