Sandpoint Friendship Station

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Sandpoint, ID
Sandpoint Friendship Station

We believe that every person deserves dignity, purpose, and friendship, regardless of age or ability. to 2:00 p.m.

A Place of Connection, Care and J O Y
Sandpoint Friendship Station is a local respite ministry dedicated to offering compassionate support and meaningful companionship to individuals and families facing the daily challenges of all types of memory loss. Sandpoint Friendship Station is a local respite ministry dedicated to offering compassionate support and meaningful companionship to individuals an

d families facing the daily challenges of all types of memory loss, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke and age-related dementia. Rooted in kindness and community spirit, our mission is to provide a safe, enriching space where guests can enjoy social interaction, community-building, creative and stimulating engagement, and gentle care — while giving their caregivers a much-needed time of rest and renewal. At Sandpoint Friendship Station, we nurture a welcoming environment filled with music, activity, conversation, laughter, and heartfelt presence. Whether you're seeking a break from caregiving, or you’d like to volunteer your time and talents, we invite you to become part of a circle of care that honors the passages of this journey for our dementia friends and care-partners. In this unique passage of care – we are stepping with you to support,
enfold and inspire. Inspired by the belief that no one should walk the journey of dementia and caregiving alone, Sandpoint Friendship Station is part of the growing Respite for All Foundation movement, serving with heart and hope …right here in North Idaho. Where and When
The Sandpoint Friendship Station meets on Wednesday’s from 10:00 a.m. at Sandpoint United Methodist Church. 711 Main Street ---Sandpoint, ID. 83864
WE WILL BE ANNOUNCING OUR OFFICIAL START DATE - PLEASE STAY TUNED!! Enrollment
Participation in the Respite Ministry tends to be best suited to those who are in the early to middle stages of their experience living with dementia. With diseases like these where symptoms are progressive, participant’s ability to enjoy the benefits of the group will change over time. Participant Packet Information will be available soon; additionally, because we are a all-volunteer based ministry, please contact us for additional information about HOW TO VOLUNTEER. We would be delighted to contact you to explore your questions and share additional information about our local respite ministry. Due to confidentiality and participation limitations, we are unable to accept "drop ins". Please contact us to schedule an appointment OR to explore your interest in volunteering. For more information contact Lissa “Elissabeth” Defreitas or Denise Williamson at: [email protected]

06/19/2026

Sandpoint Friendship Station celebrates the gift of herbs with the cultivation of our "Green Thumbs". Our volunteer and Master Gardner, Becky -- guided us all in the intricate, yet simple creation of herb gardens. Deni Williamson shares her beloved herbs from her home garden - and even our therapy dog, Shy Shy took part in the circle of fun - nourishing us with loving presence.
Elissabeth led the sing-alongs as we honored Simon and Garfunkel, "Scarborough Fair Canticle" - in the celebration of herbs.. and kicked up some dance steps, led by youth volunteer, Michaia to Frank Sinatra.
We gathered for ring toss competition and balloon volleyball - only to nestle in the yummilicious desert created by Deni to share in the sweetness of life.
Our closing sing-a-long always brings us in the swoon of togetherness, fellowship and open-hearted cheer -as we celebrate the gift of one another...heart-to-heart!

06/12/2026

Sandpoint Friendship Station heralded the honoring and celebration of Flag Day, with Deni Williamson at the helm to share about all of the history of stars and stripes - including the artful expression of Betsy Ross. Flags were waving and exuberant movement and dance followed as Elissabeth Defreitas guided us in marching to Grand Ole Flag & Boogie Woogle Bugle!
Deni introduced Dogsmile Adventure Sailing - to tap into the heart of any inner sailors that have dreamed of being on the water. ALL THUMBS UP - was the outcome of dreaming up the experience of sailing on our beautiful Lake Pend Oreille -which will begin this summer! Deni invited us to CHEER ON the Dogsmile sailing team whilst singing "anchors away"-- to send them off with prayer and well wishes for their active race to Alaska: a 750 mile journey that begins in Port Townsend, Washington this month.
Sandpoint Friendship Station celebrates "All Aboard Outdoors", a dementia-friendly, community-based initiative that uses therapeutic sailing and other outdoor experiences to help people living with dementia stay engaged, active and connected. In partnership with I'm Still Here Foundation, we look forward to creating memories for our participants, care partners, volunteers & community.
STAYED TUNED .. for the wellspring of adventure, beauty and JOY that we have the tremendous gift of sharing together!

06/05/2026

Our theme for Sandpoint Friendship Station was "We Can Grow"! In this sweetness of Spring, our volunteer and Master Gardner, Becky - shared her wisdom for planting tomatoes. Everyone had an opportunity to 'get their hands in the dirt' and send off the new starts with love! Thank you Becky!
Our table conversations were all about ways we grow: in love, in spirit and in our lives. Deni Williamson guided our table discussions about the evolution of a dragonfly and Elissabeth Defreitas guided us in 'drumming up' the rhythm of JOY with song.
We also grow, in our gift of connections, friendship and fellowship! We offer this moment of remembrance and celebration for our Friend, Captain Dan Mimmack -who was one of our first participants at the Sandpoint Friendship Station. On May 29, 2026, Dan, a courageous and loving wisdom-filled man, surrendered his final breath surrounded by his beautiful family and beloved wife, Pamela. While Dan was diagnosed with Alzheimer's dementia at age 58, Dan embraced his journey openly as an inspired spokesman for the Alzheimer' Association; as well, helped to nurture Sandpoint's first "Memory Cafe", as he shared heartfully, his personal journey of living life. Dan would share, "Alzheimer's did not define me" - He passion was 'creating memories' .. a gift of whimsical presence was shared with thousands of children with his Pirate boat; as well, his love for teaching children about creating with their hands. As a life-long woodworker, his expression of purpose was "creative hands expand the mind". He was never limited in his endeavors of whatever he set his mind to. He shared his passion for 'living life to the fullest' and accomplished every adventure that was part of his dream. In fact, he exemplified an essence of absolutely 'living the dream' which included lots of playfulness, the love of music, exploring, contemplative moments on the water, story-telling and loving other with such an open heart.
You will be forever in our Hearts!!!

05/22/2026

The Sandpoint Friendship Station celebrated "Flower Power" to honor the joyous blossoming of beauty and color in Sandpoint! Deni Williamson guided a group table discussion about the exquisite design of 'lilacs', while our Friend, Ken - shared his vibrant artwork with all!
Elissabeth Defreitas guided us in a celebratory song and color dance, grooving to the movement 'like a flower welcoming the sun' to "Let the Sun Shine In"! We had quite a robust shuffleboard play.. then to calm in the artwork of creating lilac paintings.
After our divine lunch.. we activated our energies for a delightful and FUN balloon volleyball tourney! Thank you, sweet Deni -- for your yummilicious rhubarb brownies!!! ... we were in the hummmmmm vibration!
Our time of community came to conclusion in a circle of gratitude, as we remembered the treasure of being in connection. We moved our open hearts with song - to Karen Drucker's - "Thank you For This Day" .. Thank you for our Friends! Thank you for the beauty of being Alive!

05/15/2026

Sandpoint Friendship Station honored a 39 year tradition, as they celebrated the upcoming May, "Lost In the 50's" week-end.
This annual event, guided by community member, Carolyn Gleason and many amazing volunteers, organizations and planners, attracts approximately 500-600 cars each year. Lost in the 50's celebrates with music, dancing in the streets and a spirited car parade in downtown Sandpoint. This event inspires and activates the nostalgia of the 50's and fosters community spirit.
Our Friends and Volunteers at the Sandpoint Friendship Station created their own nostalgic environment, with checkered table-clothes, hats, glasses and table-discussions about 'what groceries were like in the 50's'. Our volunteer, Erin -- surprised us with decades of 'every colored champion ribbons' from the local car shows - along with hats and even 'ginormous window dice'. WE HAD IT ALL! Miles was the Lost in the 50's hot dog chef - cooking up a picnic type meal -- while our volunteer, Becky supplied us with potato salad a plenty. But, wait ... we danced to the music prepared by DJ Elissabeth -- and sang many 50 tunes.. swooning all the way.
Deni and Erin .. prepared old fashioned Root Beer Floats -- with stylish curly straws ... only to activate our hearts of JOY, remembrance .. and love of Being together for an experience of true fun .. laughter and a journey of community.
Thank you ALL -- for the treasure of YOU.

05/09/2026

The Sandpoint Friendship Station offers our heart-felt gratitude to Dave Smee and his Search and Rescue dog, Laddie - for the treasure of their Presence and interactive sharing about the techniques, training and love that goes into 'saving lives'.
Dave brought LOTS of carrots to share with 13-year old Laddie! While trained for service - he definitely 'captured our hearts' with his gentle presence!
Because Dave and Laddie will be heading south to California for another Search and Rescue Training --our community joined in laughter and JOY, as we created 'thank you cards' to share with the Search and Rescue Team. "We love you, Rescue Dogs", shares our Friend Ken.
We followed with dance, song and movement while Elissabeth shared 'love songs for our dogs'. Deni led the way with artwork and match up table games. Our day was FULL of much laughter and a bit of rowdiness -- as we exuberantly tackled 'balloon volleyball'.
We are infinitely blessed to have the opportunity for fellowship, loving presence - and precious moments of Being. Each week, our volunteers share how their hearts are moved, joy-filled and FULL at the end of our shared time.
If you are called to be a part of our Sandpoint Friendship Station Volunteer Team -- our next training is scheduled for Monday, June 15, 2026 from 10:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m. with a complimentary lunch included. R.S.V.P is all you need.. with a heart of wonder and call to be in Presence. For additional information - please call:
208-304-6624 or email: [email protected]

05/02/2026

As we celebrate the amazing Spring sunshine at our Sandpoint Friendship Station- our theme was “ Good Times”! And good times we’re had by All!
Elissabeth Defreitas led the drumming circle to “Happy Days are Here Again”..and our rhythmic expression led to laughter and scarf dancing to celebratory tunes!
Deni Williamson guided the conversations about “ good time memories” and teamed with our volunteer, Erin to offer a baked potato bar! A very special thank you to our volunteer- Kevin, for donating the potatoes!!!
Our hearts were warmed in remembrance, as our team-mate Miles dressed in Ice Cream Man extraordinaire- as the ice cream cart parked ready to share the joy for all!
Hearts were racing big- as we engaged in a “ hot potato toss” with bean bags, .. competition shuffle board.. and then softened with a circle of singing.. sharing our gratitude for this cherished community.. and sharing our experience with fun artwork.
Tears of sweet appreciation touched every heart— as we were reminded of the gifts of “ being”.. with simplicity, wonder, silliness, joy AND deep, soulful connection! The true “ good times”, we learned- is Friends coming together and celebrating the treasure of our community of care!

04/25/2026

Our Sandpoint Friendship Station celebrated Earth Day with inspiration! Deni Williamson guided the conversation about sending off a balloon rocket out into our imaginal sky -- to wonder, 'what beauty did we behold when we gazed down upon Earth' and 'what is it that we hold in our hearts with deepened gratitude'! Our community was filled with joyous sharing; as well, our volunteer, Becky spontaneously shared an Earth Day poem that touched our hearts!
Elissabeth Defreitas guided us in a drumming circle, with egg rattles, drums and harmony to a song about 'walking in beauty.. walking in peace .. and walking in love - with our hearts OPEN WIDE.
We were bursting with laughter -- having some champion shuffleboard fun... and volleyball glee!
In our quieting time, we created 'Happy Earth Day' cards - adorned with all the colors of spring! Deni offered home-made apple crisp WITH whip cream - all in perfection for our rainy, April Earth Day celebration.
Our closing circle deeply moved our hearts - as we sang "What a Wonderful World" .. sharing stories, appreciation and more and more songs -- delighting in "This Little Light of Mine" -
May WE remember the gifts of our heart-light .. the treasure of our community.. We are moved.. each and every week - by loving kindness .. and JOY -- that goes beyond words!!!!

04/18/2026

A quote from Martin Luther King, Jr says it all for the Sandpoint Friendship Station community: "Everyone can be great--because EVERYONE can serve". Our theme for the week, "Good Deeds" - filled our hearts as we shared about the 'small to the BIG THINGS' that make a difference in our lives -- and the lives of others! What stands out most for us, is the movement and growth of our hearts , as we offer loving kindness, presence, fellowship and care for one another. It is a blessing beyond words to behold and to celebrate!
Deni Williamson led us in a special 'thank you' card creation for our Sandpoint Library Partners' for their gift of service. As for amazing service, Deni and Erin took the lead in Pizza chef extraordinaire of the day -- as they lovingly prepared pizza and soupa - while Becky nourished us with a special green salad. Thank you all!
Elissabeth Defreitas guided our group with a 'plate dance' to celebrate the essence of our Italian food cuisine. We danced to the songs that reminded us of the root of all service, "put a little love in your heart".
Balloon volleyball always gets us giggling .. as we share lots of laughter, talent and whimsical togetherness! And 'peach cobbler'? Oh my -- yummmiliciousness brought forth by Deni to bring sweetness to our hearts and pallets. Thank you to our community of fellowship, JOY and Being!

04/11/2026

For our Sandpoint Friendship Station, "April Showers" brings many gifts of beauty - especially "rainbows"! Deni Williamson invites our community to imagine words that GO with the colors of the rainbow. The conversations were all 'a buzz' with joyful blessings and cherished spring visions.
Elissabeth Defreitas led a circle of movement & songs with the Octaband as we tapped together with Gene Kelly and "Singing in the Rain". Because rainbows moved our hearts - we concluded with "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" - a remembrance of flying high with our connection and fellowship with one another.
As we gathered around the table, we took turns being cheerleaders for the shuffleboard players AND bowling for smiles -later cooled off with fruit popsicles and quiet conversation and MORE songs!
Our guest, Mr. Green Frog - surprised us at the Wheel of Fortune for the "hint of the day": spring showers brings forth the gift of birds and gardens and flowers and F U N! For us, beauty ABOUNDS!

Address

Sandpoint United Methodist Church 711 Main Street
Sandpoint, ID
83864

Opening Hours

10am - 2pm

Telephone

+12083046624

Website

http://www.sandpointfriendshipstation.com/

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