Church volunteers outline '3 Cheers' respite program to support caregivers of people with dementia

Louise Carter and the 3 Cheers steering team told the council they are developing a licensed respite program at Mount Tam United Methodist Church to provide daytime social care and short‑term relief for family caregivers.

"We would be the first one in California," Marla Hastings said, describing the Respite for All model and the team’s plans to secure state licensing under California Department of Social Services Title 22. Presenters described program eligibility (early to moderate dementia, independent in bathroom needs, no on‑site medication administration), startup funding already secured (examples cited: $10,000 from the Respite for All Foundation; $31,300 from the Marin County Board of Supervisors; additional United Methodist Connections grants), and operational plans including the Redwood Kitchen as food vendor.

Trisha Wigg, the church staff liaison to the steering team, said the program would begin with two days per week and could expand to four days per week over two years, and that the team plans outreach, volunteer recruitment and a community meeting with a neurologist before opening. The presenters asked the council for letters of support for grant applications, and council members quickly offered help with outreach and a letter of support.

Council members praised the proposal as meeting a clear gap in local services for an aging population and offered assistance with publicity and letters for grant applications. The presenters said they expected to be ready to open in mid‑2026, dependent on the timing of the state licensing process.