SAVANNAH, Ga. — Hope Haven has named Cathy Baxter as the inaugural director of its respite ministry, launched by St. John’s Church (Episcopal) to provide joyful engagement and personal connection for individuals living with neurological challenges, including Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Baxter is committed to serving both individuals with dementia and their caregivers, recognizing that support must extend to the entire family. “This balance,” she says, “contributes to a higher quality of life for the entire family.” Hope Haven’s twice-weekly program, led by trained and dedicated volunteers, offers four hours of engaging activities for participants while providing caregivers with valuable time for rest and renewal.
“Cathy understands the importance of providing a joyful experience for those who are too often isolated,” said Terry Pindar, chairman of the Hope Haven leadership committee. “She brings warmth, vision and credibility to a ministry that will serve some of the most vulnerable families in our region.”
Activities such as music, art, games, devotions and shared meals are designed to foster connection and enhance quality of life. The program meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 27 W. Charlton St. in the heart of downtown Savannah.
Baxter brings extensive leadership experience and deep community roots to her new role. She completed Positive Approach to Care® Champion training with dementia care specialist Teepa Snow and holds an Alzheimer’s Association certification. A Savannah native and graduate of Savannah Country Day School, Baxter earned a Bachelor of Science in architecture from the University of Virginia.
Her passion for this work is deeply personal. Having witnessed the devotion of her father as a caregiver to her mother, Baxter understands the profound impact of caregiving and the need for meaningful support for both care partners and their loved ones.
She co-founded the St. John’s Outreach Committee in 2016 and served as chairman through 2023. Outside of her work with Hope Haven, Baxter teaches yoga and runs with the Savannah Striders, finding both practices to be grounding sources of wellness and connection.
Baxter lives in Savannah with her husband, Benjamin Baxter. Their daughter, Emiline, recently completed her freshman year at Georgia Tech.
Hope Haven officially launched in February 2025 and also offers monthly caregiver support groups led by Jill Costello of the Edel Caregiver Institute, along with volunteer training led by Baxter in collaboration with Costello and certified dementia care specialist Robin Dill.
Designed as a community-wide effort, the ministry welcomes members and volunteers from across Savannah and surrounding areas.
ABOUT HOPE HAVEN
Hope Haven enriches the lives of families experiencing dementia through joyful engagement and hopeful support. For more information or to get involved, visit SavannahRespite.com or contact Cathy Baxter at (912) 231-7310. We are located at: 27 West Charlton St. Savannah, GA 31401
Contact
Cathy Baxter (Director)
Cell: (912) 231-7310
savannahrespite@gmail.com
Media Contact
Mary Beth Kennedy
Cell: (912) 281-0328
mbk.savannah@gmail.com