The ADRC is a free service that is a single source for information and assistance on issues affecting older people and people with disabilities.  This community resource offers:

    ** Information and assitance specialists

    **Health and wellness program information
     
    **Benefits counseling (private insurance                   and government benefits)

    **Long term care options counseling

    ** Crisis, abuse and neglect information

To access the ADRC, please visit the website (ADRCofOregon.org); or call (503) 846-3060
                                
Please contact Jennifer Mirek in the paish office with any questions or help regarding ADRC.
   



Providence Community Connections is a ministry of Providence Newberg Medical Center and coordinates volunteers to help older adults so they can thrive at home for as long as possible. 

Contact: providence.org/communityconnections
(503) 537-1549

Volunteer services offered to seniors include:

• Transportation to medical appointments, pharmacy, grocery shopping and errands.
• Yard work
• Light housekeeping.
• Respite for family caregivers.
• Minor home repairs.

Care Ministry Mission:

Our Goal is to improve the quality of life for elders in our parish
and in assisted living centers by:

•  Providing an atmosphere of support, understanding and acceptance within the parish
• Providing an opportunity to discuss experiences and share information  
• Encouraging new relationships through parish fellowship activities 
• Preventing feelings of isolation through home visits and fellowship activities 
• Educating individuals about aging issues and concerns 
• Referring individuals to community resources and information

Strong for Life 2.0 is an exercise program designed to improve strength, flexibility and balance in adults 60 years and older. The 45-minute class consists of exercises targeting the trunk, arms and legs. All movements are done in either sitting or standing positions and can be modified to fit the individual participant’s needs. The class is offered through a partnership with Providence Community Connections and the George Fox University Physical Therapy Program.

• Classes are free – but all participants must enroll.
• To enroll, participants must provide a release form from their doctor and a complete a short orientation.
• Please contact Jennifer Mirek for more information or to enroll in the class.
• Classes are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:00-10:45 AM in the South classrooms of the parish center.

Grief Share is a 13 week grief support group that is facilitated by lay ministers.  We are starting a group at St. Francis that will be led by Jennifer Mirek and Stephen Ministers.  Grief Share is a Christian based program used by churches all over the country.  Each week, we will view a video clip about a topic essential to recovering from the hurt of grief and loss. A group discussion about the video, and as well as a general support time, follows.  Each participant also receives a workbook with a daily Bible study, grief processing tips and exercises, helpful articles and resources.  

Please feel free to join us if you have experienced a loss of a family member or friend through death, no matter when the loss occurred.  We will meet on Mondays (April 2-June 25): 6:30-8:30 PM in the South classroom of the parish center.  The cost is $15 for the workbook.  Please call Jennifer Mirek in the parish office with any questions or to register.  
        Weekly topics:
        Is This Normal?
        Challenges of Grief
        The Journey of Grief (Part 1 and 2)
        Grief and Your Relationships
        Why?
        Guilt and Anger
        Complicating Factors
        Stuck
        Lessons of Grief (Part 1 and 2)
        Heaven
        What Do I Live for Now?  

Donna Vande Kieft is a Board Certified Hospice Chaplain who lives in Sherwood.  She is a volunteer coach for Strong for Life at St. Francis and also volunteers at the Sherwood Senior Center.  She loves working with seniors and is interested in aging gracefully herself and welcomes others to join the conversation on the Aging Journey.  She is facilitating a discussion group around Sister Joan Chittister's book, The Gift of Years.  The group will meet from 11:00-noon on Fridays, April 6-May 25th at in the South Classroom.

Please RSVP to Jennifer Mirek in the parish office if you are interested in joining the group. Please purchase the book prior to the first group meeting, if possible. Amazon has new and used copies.

This ministry brings the love, compassion and fellowship of our parish family to those parishioners who are unable to come to church. Friendly Visitors go to private homes and assisted living centers on a weekly or biweekly basis to spend time simply talking with and enjoying the company of fellow church members.  

To request a visit or to be considered as a Friendly Visitor,  contact Jennifer Mirek. 

This ministry is a special combination of hospitality and Eucharistic Ministry. A Homebound Minister represents the parish by bringing Holy Communion to those who are physically unable to gather with the congregation. Ministers to the homebound visit sick parishioners in their homes and assisted living centers; and use the ritual, Communion for the Sick, by sharing a Scripture reading and distributing the Eucharist.

To request a visit or to be considered as a Homebound Minister, contact Jennifer Mirek.

St. Francis provides monthly blood pressure checks by current health care professionals (nurses, physicians and medical assistants) in conjunction with the Knights of Columbus breakfast.

All are welcome to get their blood pressure screened after the 8:00 AM or 10:30 AM Mass in the conference room across from the parish hall. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Jennifer Mirek. Volunteers usually serve once every few months after Mass. All equipment is provided.