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]

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!

04/04/2026

In celebration of Easter, our Sandpoint Friendship Station welcomed the theme of "Child-like Wonder" to activate our heart of simplicity, imagination, fellowship, laughter, shared stories and projects! Deni Williamson was at the helm of weaving in inter-generational service and connection - as her granddaughter, Micaiah, displays her amazing 'puppet in a box' for all to experience - along with "Wiggles" for hugs and dancing. All was 'in a buzz' as Deni passed the socks around to guess what child-like treasures were hiding inside.
Elissabeth guided a 'plate dance' to "Rockin-Robin' to get 'spring in our step' and join together in: "Elissabeth Says". (in memory of Simon).
Our community experienced a true gift of presence and play - as we decorated Easter eggs, scooped up ice-cream, shared fun childhood favorite stories and found some quiet moments with puzzle-making and songs.
Deni's grandson, Corban and son, Josh introduced an upcoming service project - utilizing plastic bags from local grocers to create a sturdy, handbag design.
We celebrate the treasure of our volunteers -- who joyfully activated their 'inner child' and robustly entered into the realm of wonder, community and radical FUN! We are so blessed for this community of loving kindness and sweet fellowship and care. Each and every week, our hearts expand in gratitude for the treasure of presence, service and connection.

03/27/2026

The red, red robin went bob, bob, bobbin along -- at the Sandpoint Friendship Station! All OUT for SPRING WELCOME with light-hearted, spontaneous poems created by our Friends to greet the 'new light'.. and circle songs to get into the rhythm of the 'new bounce' in our steps.
Deni Williamson guided us in a service project to benefit our local Bonner County Food Bank - and creative art projects to capture the heart-felt words of the Irish Blessing.
You might notice our loving Golden Doodle, Shy Shy - as a sweet companion to our community -- aligning just in the perfect moment when presence is needed!
Elissabeth leads the circle in singing "Over the Rainbow" - remembering the feel of going through the unknown .. and realizing the hope of new beginnings!
Spring has many gifts, especially coming out of grey winter skies, and entering into a new season of warmth, community and all sorts of JOY-FILLED moments shared. Thank you Sandpoint Friendship Station -- we are in the WOW with you!

03/21/2026

Our Sandpoint Friendship Station celebrated the theme for the week, "Count Your Blessings" - which offered an invitation for all our community to reflect upon the things in our life -- that hold deepened blessings - from 'small & simple... to the ginormous'. Our hearts of gratitude prevailed for all the ways we are welcomed in LOVE, kindness and connection!
We had the opportunity to CELEBRATE TWO BIRTHDAY's: Our amazing volunteer, Becky; as well... our companion Golden Doodle, Shy Shy!
Deni Williamson guided our community in honoring our local animal shelter with hand-made dog biscuits. Shy Shy had the first taste-test...with glowing reviews! Deni lead the way to create colorful cards for our local shelter -- to bring forth a rich thank you -- for all of the animals that have been rescued in our community! We celebrate you, Better Together Animal Shelter!
In honor of St. Patrick's Day Elissabeth Defreitas guided us in a playful Irish Gig that had us clapping and dancing with JOY.
Our hearts expand each and every week, as our community weaves conversation, laughter, playfulness, fellowship and F U N for our day! Thank you to ALL! We celebrate our blessings with the sweetest of our hearts 'hummmmmmmmmm'!

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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