“You cannot have a bad day at Hope Arbor.”

That observation from longtime volunteer Bucky Johnson captures the spirit of Hope Arbor, a respite ministry at Isle of Hope United Methodist Church where laughter, friendship and a sense of belonging take center stage.

Founded by Brooke Chambers in 2018 and now led by Eliza Brooks with Traci Dent and Beth Christiansen, Hope Arbor serves people experiencing early- to middle-stage memory loss related to Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, Parkinson’s disease or stroke. Rather than focusing on what a diagnosis has changed, the program celebrates who its participants — affectionately called “friends” — still are.

Open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hope Arbor welcomes approximately 15 friends each day, supported by about seven volunteers. Days begin with conversation over coffee before moving into brain games, devotion, chair exercises, a hot meal, activities and music.

“A diagnosis of dementia or memory impairment should not be isolating,” Brooks said. “Everyone has a place at the table.”

That philosophy extends to caregivers. A communitywide caregiver support group meets Tuesdays from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. at IOHUMC’s Tabby House, while additional gatherings offer opportunities for connection beyond Hope Arbor.

Upcoming events include Dinner Church on Sept. 23, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Forsyth Park on Oct. 3 and a fall dance featuring music by Roy Swindell on Oct. 16 in the Green House.

For Brooks, the laughter says plenty. As one friend put it, “I may not remember everyone, but boy, do they love me.”

To learn more or volunteer, contact Brooks at hopearbor@iohumc.com.