A large group of smiling seniors and volunteers pose together for a photo at the Oasis Community Day RespiteCare Ministry program.
A group of people enjoys a meal at round tables during an Oasis RespiteCare event, while a man speaks at a podium in front of a presentation screen.

OASIS CORE VALUES

Mission Based, Christ-Centered, Volunteer Driven

”Alzheimer’s Disease is the Silver Tsunami of the 21st Century.” (National Institute of Health). “Silver Tsunami” is a reference to the “wave” of aging adults known as Baby Boomers (born between 1946-1964), and the increasing number of boomers facing dementia. 

  • OASIS is based on a “social model of ministry care” for our friends living with dementia and their caregivers, which means no medical staff is required because no medical care is provided. No medications are given during the four-hour Respite Day.
  • OASIS has a modest fee of $50/day per participant.
  • OASIS anticipates that through gifts, grants and other resources, no one will be turned away due to an inability to pay.
  • OASIS is open to the community and welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds. It's easy. 
A wide-angle photo of a large group of mostly older adults smiling and waving at the camera. They are in a room with long tables covered in blue tablecloths.

Our Vision

To provide a compassionate space where the person living with dementia feels valued, loved and part of a caring, Christ-centered community, including both the person living with dementia and their volunteer caregiver. 

Why Oasis RespiteCare?

  • TODAY IN AMERICA—six million people live with Alzheimer’s Disease (a number expected to “double” by 2050.) Eleven million Americans are “unpaid caregivers” for loved ones with dementia.
  • IN ALABAMA—The number of people living with dementia is 110,000 with more than 200,000 family members serving as “unpaid caregivers.”
  • IN HUNTSVILLE—It is estimated that 5% of dementia patients attend a respite program; the other 95% don’t attend because of limited options. The respite care need is great; and the church CAN and SHOULD be a part of the solution. At FBC, we want to be on the leading edge of ministry in our city—easing the burden in families as we share the love of Christ with those living with dementia.
  • OASIS RespiteCare exists to provide a safe place where caregivers can catch a breath and recharge while their loved ones living with dementia find joy, encouragement, connection and purpose in a safe, secure, Christ-centered environment.
A large group of mostly older adults seated at long tables with blue tablecloths in a community hall. Everyone is smiling and looking towards the camera.
A diverse group of adults sit at tables in a meeting room, applauding a male speaker in a blue jacket who is standing and addressing them.
A man and a woman are sitting and smiling at a craft event. The woman is holding up a small, colorful figure made of beads, straws, and yarn.
Three seniors smile for the camera while sitting at a table with a blue checkered cloth, working on word puzzles at a community event.
A group of mostly senior adults wearing colorful flower leis sit at round tables with blue tablecloths during a social event in a community room.
A group of smiling seniors sit in chairs on either side of a net, playing a fun game of volleyball with colorful balloons and foam pool noodles.
A large group of mostly older adults seated at long tables with blue tablecloths in a community hall. Everyone is smiling and looking towards the camera.
A diverse group of adults sit at tables in a meeting room, applauding a male speaker in a blue jacket who is standing and addressing them.
A man and a woman are sitting and smiling at a craft event. The woman is holding up a small, colorful figure made of beads, straws, and yarn.
Three seniors smile for the camera while sitting at a table with a blue checkered cloth, working on word puzzles at a community event.
A group of mostly senior adults wearing colorful flower leis sit at round tables with blue tablecloths during a social event in a community room.
A group of smiling seniors sit in chairs on either side of a net, playing a fun game of volleyball with colorful balloons and foam pool noodles.

Dementia CareGiver Support Group

Meets in Room 251 

Every 2nd and 4th Thursday

10:15am - 11:30am

Oasis Sanctuary Interview

A group of older adults sits in chairs playing a game over a net, hitting colorful balloons back and forth with foam pool noodles and laughing.

Things to Know

OASIS is NOT an Adult Day Care; RATHER… it is a Community-Day-RespiteCare for those living with dementia and their unpaid caregiver. OASIS will initially offer two days per week (Tuesday and Thursday) from 10am - 2pm. Prior registration is required for participants.

A typical Day at Oasis
  • will include social, physical and spiritual stimulation through:
  • music therapy
  • spiritual devotions
  • storytelling
  • art
  • exercise
  • games
  • a good hot meal

All intended to bring hope, joy, fellowship and mental motivation to participants. Those living with dementia aren’t just care receivers; they are invited to participate in OASIS by greeting, helping to serve or joining in community ministry projects.

Meet Our Team

<span class="h3">Greg Ellison&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>

Greg Ellison  

Director, Oasis RespiteCare

Greg Ellison has been in Huntsville and a member of First Baptist Church for 37 years. His career has included pharmaceutical sales, home health and home care. 

I am honored that God has provided this opportunity with Oasis Respite Care to use my years of experience assisting individuals with dementia. My purpose in life is to help and encourage others. The goal is to help everyone have the best day possible, whatever that means to them. Directing this program is not just a job for me, it’s a calling.
 - Greg Ellison