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 Hospice Savannah’s 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.