Saint Thomas the Apostle

Episcopal Church

Apollo Respite For All

Apollo Respite For All is a program designed to provide our Friends who are experiencing dementia with purpose, connection, and joy. At Apollo, we believe there are seven aspects of well-being we are trying to enrich: identity, connection, security, autonomy, meaning, growth and joy.

Apollo is FREE for all attendees and catered lunch is provided.

Tuesdays | 10:00am - 2:00pm

What Happens at Apollo?

Apollo is a weekly gathering where participants spend time together in a welcoming, structured environment supported by trained volunteers.

Each visit includes conversation, music, creative activities, and shared meals designed to encourage engagement, friendship, and joy.

While participants enjoy meaningful social connection, caregivers are given a few hours of rest knowing their loved ones are safe, supported, and known by name.

Our Mission

Apollo Respite for All is a program designed to provide our Friends who are experiencing dementia with purpose, connection, and joy.

At Apollo, we believe that there are seven aspects of well-being that we are trying to enrich: identity, connection, security, autonomy, meaning, growth and joy.

Apollo bases its model on a lovingly and thoughtfully created program called Respite For All (RFA) that began in 2012 in First United Methodist Church in Montgomery, Alabama by co-founder Daphne Johnston. Now more than twelve years later there are several programs around the country, in at least ten different states, based on the original RFA model, a Social Model of Care, and we are excited to be the first Texas installment!

In 2016 and 2019, the RFA model was recognized by the U.S. Administration on Aging as an innovative initiative for dementia. In 2021, RFA won the coveted Anne and Irving Brodsky Innovation Grant from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The Respite for All Foundation was also recognized in the 2022 Innovations in Alzheimer’s Care handbook published by Maude’s Awards. RFA was also featured in AARP’s January 2024 publication, “Respite Services: A Critical Support for Family Caregivers.”

Click HERE to learn more about the amazing work Respite For All has done and is doing all over the country!

Click HERE to learn more about the groundbreaking Respite For All Social Model of Care that Apollo is using to inform our program!

Dignity Preserved

Participants are known, valued, and treated as whole individuals—not defined by diagnosis.

Familiar Routine

A consistent weekly rhythm helps reduce anxiety and supports comfort and orientation.

Meaningful Engagement

Activities are designed to spark interest, participation, and a sense of purpose.

Trusted Relationships

Care is built through consistent volunteers who develop real familiarity over time.

Caregiver Relief

Families receive dependable respite time to rest, recharge, or manage other responsibilities.

Cognitive Stimulation

Gentle engagement helps support attention, memory, and connection in a non-clinical setting.

Social Belonging

Participants experience community, laughter, and connection with peers.

Joyful Moments

Small, meaningful moments of joy are intentionally created throughout each visit.

See Apollo In Action!

A Proven Model of Care

Based on the Respite for All national model

Social model of care (not medical)
Recognized by:
- U.S. Administration on Aging
- Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
- AARP (2024 feature)

Apollo is the first Respite for All program in Texas, bringing a nationally recognized, volunteer-driven model of dementia care to our community.

Volunteers Make Apollo Possible!

Our program is powered by trained, background-checked volunteers who build meaningful one-on-one relationships with each Friend.

Companion

Lunch Team

Arts & Crafts

Music & Movement

Time Commitment

Tuesdays | 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM Catered lunch provided

Is Apollo Right for Your Loved One?

Cost

Our program is currently free and at no cost to families.

Frequent Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will lunch be provided? Lunch will be provided every program day. Friends and volunteers will have the pleasure of all being able to sit down and enjoy a meal together between activities. Lunch is included in the $25.00 daily fee. We are able to accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions, please let us know if this is needed in the New Participant Paperwork under the “Things we need to know about your loved one” section.
How do I know if my loved one with dementia qualifies to come to Apollo Respite For All? Respite for All programs are best suited to the early to middle stages of a diagnosis. To participate, our friends living with dementia must be able to feed themselves, care for their own restroom needs and be comfortable in a large group setting.
Can I come and observe before applying for my loved one to attend Apollo Respite For All? Absolutely! There are two great ways you can come and see our incredible experience in action. First you can come as a non-participating observer to any of our Tuesday programs from 10am-2pm or you can come to our Dementia Friendly Church Service that is open to the public each Tuesday from 1:15pm-2:00pm, feel free to bring your loved one with dementia as well!

Have questions? Contact us!

Resources

https://lichfield.anglican.org/inclusion/dementia-friendly-church/

https://teepasnow.com/

https://respiteforall.org