AUGUST 2011

Volume 23 Issue  8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Over 20 years ago a St. Paul’s parishioner had a dream. The dream was simple, to start a church based adult daycare program for families. Soon after this idea came into her heart, she unexpectantly was faced with taking care of her Father who was dying of Pancreatic Cancer. The real life experience of caring for a loved one, reinforced her desire to begin a respite program for families taking care of loved ones 24/7.

 

So after doing extensive research and getting the blessings of The Rev. Howard Graham & The Rev. Christopher Luedde; Deb Graham along with former parishioners Gloria Murphy and Tracy Wimberly launched the beginnings of the Paul Peer’s Respite program.

 

In the beginning, the program started as a Wednesday luncheon for parishioners and the community. As time passed, and after much work and persistence, vestry approved going forward with a full Adult Respite Day Care.

 

The rest is history! The program grew, client by client, volunteer by volunteer and eventually Deb hired staff….In the beginning, it offered part time service, then it grew to full time.

 

With Deb’s hard work and dedication, the program grew over the years to flourish and become not only a successful program but a beautiful example of the ministry of Christ.

 

Yet today, it is with great sadness that we announce that Deb Graham has made the decision to retire as Director of Paul Peers Respite. Although, she will still be an active parishioner and volunteer, she will be greatly missed by all for not only the contributions she gave to the program but also her overall character and presence.

 

Deb, despite all the responsibilities she had as Director, was never too busy to slow down and remember the heart of the program-the clients. She was always so filled with compassion, genuine care and concern for each client and their families. She had a rapport and way with them that was like no other. Her kindness even extended to the staff and volunteers. She was always there to offer a word of encouragement, gratitude, advise or just a listening ear.

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