Dementia Respite Program In Mill Valley Aims To Be First Of Its Kind In California

MILL VALLEY, CA — A Mill Valley church‑based initiative is moving toward opening what organizers say will be the first “Respite for All”‑model dementia program in California, offering critical support to caregivers and people with early to moderate dementia.

Representatives of Mount Tamalpais United Methodist Church briefed the City Council on their “Three Cheers” respite program, which will operate out of the church’s fellowship hall, at Tuesday’s city council meeting.

The program is modeled on the Respite for All initiative founded in Montgomery, Alabama, and will provide structured social activities and a catered lunch while caregivers receive a four‑hour break.

By 2030, one-third of Marin residents are projected to be 60 years old or older, a statistic shared by achurch staff member.

Organizers described a multi‑year effort to secure space, navigate state licensing and assemble funding. Louise Carter reported that the team has obtained startup and capital grants from the Respite for All Foundation, Methodist bodies, the Marin County Board of Supervisors, and the Marin Community Foundation, along with private donations.

“Having my own lived experience with my in‑laws, they would have so needed, wanted, yearned for this program,” said Vice Mayor Caroline Joachim. “[This is] an absolute lifeline to a number of members of our community and beyond.”

Mayor Urban Carmel, noting his father’s experience caring for his mother with dementia, called the initiative “exactly the kind of service that we need” in an aging county where “people don’t move out of Marin, they stay here.”

The council offered to provide additional letters of support for upcoming grant applications and to help promote the program through city communication channels. Organizers anticipate opening in mid‑2026, pending state licensing.