Category: Community Events
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Speak. Trust. Receive. A Caregiver’s Prayer When You Don’t Understand
Sometimes the most powerful thing a caregiver can do is admit, “I don’t understand—but I trust You.” That was one of the messages at the heart of our August 20th family caregivers meeting. We gathered for an afternoon of what I call Care & Prayer, where group members fellowship, have honest conversations, and find encouragement. Our…
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Just the Beginning…
July 18 always gives me reason to pause. Today I remember the incorporation of a visionary idea that became the Greater Ocala Community Development Corporation (GOCDC). Long before I became an employee, I was a young female board member who simply said yes—yes to the work, the vision, and yes to believing our community deserved greater opportunity. It…
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Family Caregivers Strike Up Friendship at the Bowling Alley 🎳
Sometimes the best support group doesn’t meet around a table. “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Psalm 133:1 What a joy-filled afternoon! This week, our MBC Caregivers traded our usual meeting space for bowling shoes, pizza, laughter, and wonderful fellowship at Bowlero Lucky Strike in Ocala. We bowled two games on two lanes, cheered each…
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Sometimes Life Happens Before You Get a Chance to Celebrate
A few weeks ago, the Ocala Gazette shared news of my book, Beating the Isolation Trap: An Authentic Caregiver’s Guide to Reconnecting, Recharging and Thriving. I meant to share it. Then, well…life happened. 😊 Perhaps that’s fitting. Caregivers know better than most how quickly life can rearrange the calendar. Am I right, caregivers? So, as the Ocala Gazette celebrates six years…
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🇺🇸Faith, Freedom & Fellowship: Highlights from Our July Caregivers Club
Holidays can look different for caregivers. As family caregivers, holidays can bring mixed emotions. While many families celebrate with cookouts and fireworks, others quietly navigate mobility challenges, sensory sensitivities, chronic pain, medical neccessities, or simply the isolation that caregiving can bring. My family, like many others, will use this God-given technology (TV, Screens, Movies) to…
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Honoring America’s 250th Birthday Together🇺🇸
Our first Thursday meeting takes place tonight. Don’t forget to grab a cup of iced tea (it’s hot out there in Florida!) and get cozy in your favorite chair or on the couch. You’re warmly invited to a casual, uplifting gathering as we reflect on God’s hand in American history. Together, we’ll share stories of…
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A Caregiver’s Concert: Tonight! With Saxophonist Adrian Crutchfield
Whether you’re a caregiver or love someone who is, this one’s for you. Enjoy a free evening of smooth jazz with Adrian Crutchfield at AARP’s Caregiver’s Concert — streaming tonight at 7:00 PM.
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Connecting over Health Tips for Caregivers
“CAREGIVERS are HONORARY NURSES.” This was a picture of our third Thursday gathering where we learned about taking care of our own health through new technologies. It’s always a blessing to laugh, lunch, and learn. Our local group is comprised of caregivers of parents, relatives, siblings, adult children, spouses, and grandkids. We have been serving…
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Family Café 28 Reflections
Share Your Experience” (or for the year you attended). The Family Café is a huge event with thousands of attendees. This year was my first time attending I was absolutely overwhelmed but appreciative for the experience, no doubt! If you’re open to connecting and sharing highlights, tips, favorite sessions or challenges, I’d appreciate hearing from…
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The 28th Annual Family Café in Orlando this weekend
Good morning, Family caregivers, One of the most powerful ways to overcome caregiver isolation is by connecting with others who understand the journey. Events like the Family Café can provide opportunities to learn, share experiences, discover resources, and build meaningful connections with people who truly understand the challenges and rewards of caregiving. I recently received updated…