The Gathering Respite Care

06/09/2026

At The Gathering, joy often finds us in the most spontaneous ways! These dance moments, big and small, are all about connection, laughter, and pure human spirit. Every step, every twirl, reminds us why we’re here—building moments of love and belonging together. Come share in the joy!

05/21/2026

The Gathering’s Volunteer Spotlight shines on the incredible Sabrina Thomas! Anytime our doors are open, she’s there, pouring her heart into our music sessions. Sabrina thoughtfully plans every detail—from guiding handbells, piano accompaniment, and even teaching music theory—to help our friends experience joy through rhythm, music, and using their voices. She’ll even bring out her flute or lead fun games like “Name That Tune” with different themes to keep everyone engaged and smiling. Whether it’s chapel time or everyday moments at The Gathering, Sabrina brings love, patience, encouragement, and a whole lot of music to our friends. We are so grateful for the light and joy she shares each week! ❤️❤️❤️ 🎶

05/16/2026

As Director of The Gathering, I was grateful for the opportunity to attend the “Stronger Together: Innovating Care, Enriching Lives” TAADS Conference—and I came away encouraged, inspired, and with so much valuable information to bring back to our program and families. 🤗

Throughout the conference, we heard updates from the Department of Disability & Aging regarding Tennessee’s multi-sector plan for aging and family support programs, as well as updates from the Department of Human Services concerning Adult Day Services across the state. We also explored Medicare’s BOLD dementia initiative and learned from NYU about advancements in person-centered outcomes and data collection within adult day services.

I was informed as I soaked up valuable information during a business operations panel, and one of the greatest parts of the conference was the opportunity to connect with leaders from other adult day programs during breaks and shared meals. Learning from those who have been serving in this field for many years was truly invaluable, and I was thankful to make new friends and connections along the way. (And yes… the pictures are with my wonderful table neighbors! 😊)

A heartfelt thank you to all of the sponsors, vendors, presenters, and organizers who made this conference such a meaningful experience! Thank you to our financial supporters who help make professional development opportunities like this possible!
❤️❤️❤️ Rachel Watson

05/08/2026

Join us for Volunteer Training at The Gathering on Tuesday, May 19th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.! 🌟

If you have a heart for serving others and want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those living with dementia and their caregivers, we would love to have you join us. Volunteers are truly the backbone of The Gathering, helping create an atmosphere filled with dignity, joy, purpose, and connection for our friends and their families.

A wonderful lunch will be provided for all attendees during the training. 🍽️

If you have questions or would like to register, please contact Rachel Watson at 865-599-9233 or email [email protected].

Come learn more about how you can become part of this growing ministry of compassion and community. ❤️

05/07/2026

We are so grateful to The Standard Banner for recently highlighting the incredible impact that Gaye King and her Rivers From Within drum circle ministry have on our friends at The Gathering. ❤️❤️❤️

Each time Gaye visits, our room fills with rhythm, laughter, movement, and connection. What may look like simple drumming is actually so much more — encouraging cognitive engagement, gentle physical activity, emotional expression, social connection, and pure joy.

For many living with dementia, music reaches places words often cannot. We are continually amazed watching our friends come alive through familiar rhythms, shared experiences, and the sense of belonging created around the circle.

We are deeply thankful for Gaye’s heart, her ministry, and the joy she brings to The Gathering each quarter. Thank you as well to The Standard Banner for helping share the story of this meaningful work happening within our community.

05/07/2026

Together with the Steps of Faith Preschool Program, we’re creating special moments that span generations! We’re making a dedicated effort to bring children and adults together in our activities, and both participants from The Gathering and Steps of Faith tell us it’s often the most treasured time of the day. We’re so proud of these multi-generational connections!

04/30/2026

😊 Volunteer with The Gathering and be part of a community that sparks connection and joy. Attend our training session on *TUESDAY, MAY 19th, 10am - 2pm*. Our volunteers help create a warm and engaging atmosphere for friends with dementia, giving caregivers a well-deserved break. Through activities like conversation, games, and music, volunteers build meaningful relationships. You will leave feeling inspired and uplifted. No special background or experience is required. Lunch is provided.

If interested, please register at 865-599-9233 or via email at [email protected]

04/29/2026

At the heart of everything we do is community. 💜 You can see it in the smallest moments — our coffee-time chats when we first arrive, sweet interactions with our pre-K friends, and even in our silly games! Week after week, we’re building meaningful connections and lifting each other up.

Know a caregiver or family supporting someone with mild to moderate dementia? Please share this post to help us reach those who need a little extra community and joy. ✨

04/22/2026

😊 Volunteer with The Gathering and be part of a community that sparks connection and joy. Attend our training session on *TUESDAY, MAY 19th, 10am - 2pm*. Our volunteers help create a warm and engaging atmosphere for friends with dementia, giving caregivers a well-deserved break. Through activities like conversation, games, and music, volunteers build meaningful relationships. You will leave feeling inspired and uplifted. No special background or experience is required. Lunch is provided.

If interested, please register at 865-599-9233 or via email at [email protected].

Wednesdays, 10am-2pm! At The Gathering, those with mild/moderate memory loss & volunteers enjoy a range of enriching & engaging activities while caregivers take a little time for themselves. It’s all about joy, renewal, and connection!

04/17/2026

Sometimes we’re so happy we just break into song during Chair Tai Chi! 😂🎵🎤

Blue and Larry are always such great sports, leading us through the movements and laughing right along with us- no matter how silly we get!

No two days at The Gathering look the same, but we can guarantee they’re going to be fun and usually filled with spontaneous singing,* dancing, and giggling. 💜

Know a caregiver or family supporting someone with mild to moderate dementia? Please share this post to help us spread the word. This community brings joy to all involved!






*perhaps not always on key, but we are unbothered 😅