“I came that they may have life, and have it more abundantly.” – John 10:10

Nurturing Health & Wholeness

The deacons support the health and wholeness ministry and the work of our board certified faith community nurse, Cheryl Track. This ministry was established in 2007, a ministry of wellness that embraces a life of joy, meaning and a healthy spirit.

Mission

We believe every life is a sacred gift from God. We believe health and wholeness is a part of the human unity that is inspired through the body, mind and spirit.

Vision

We strive to promote a ministry of wellness and health through prevention and education, and healing and support for the church and community in times of illness and grief.

Dementia Care and Cure Initiative

With approximately 520,000 individuals currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, Florida has the second highest incidence of Alzheimer’s in the nation, next to California.
Florida seeks to lead the nation in response to the increasing incidence of dementia by implementing a statewide effort to become more dementia friendly. The goals of the Dementia Care and Cure Initiative are to increase awareness of dementia, provide assistance to dementia-caring communities, and to continue advocacy for care and cure programs.
First Presbyterian Church is a a Dementia Caring Organization.  What does that mean?  In May, 2019, the church staff, some elders, deacons, and Stephen Ministers attended training to learn how to be a Dementia Caring organization.
Dementia Caring Organizations learn:
  • what dementia is, including signs and symptoms of the disease
  • how to communicate effectively and respectively with those living with the disease
  • about local resources that provide services for those living and affected by the disease
As a Dementia Caring organization, this church recognizes the unique challenges faced by those living with and affected by dementia while also understanding that those living with the disease can continue to lead active lives in their community.

Classes and Programs

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance:  For more information contact DBSA Tampa Bay, Inc 727-410-1569;  email: info@dbsatampabay.org or visit www.dbsatampabay.org

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health):  For more information visit www.namisarasotamanatee.org or call 941-444-3428

Dysphagia Digest of Florida: Maggie Donaker, MS, CCC-SLP & Kristin Winter, M.Ed., CCC-SLP; email: info@dysphagiadigest.com  or visit: https://www.dysphagiadigest.com or https://www.facebook.com/DysphagiaDigest/

Other helpful contacts: 
Nami Helpline: 800-950-NAMI, M-F 10:00 am-6:00 pm, Sarasota County, (941) 376-9361
Find Help in a Crisis: Text “NAMI” to 741741

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-TALK or text 741741

Military One Source: 24/7 Helpline: 800-342-9647

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

Community Health and Social Connections:
Humana.com/BradentonCommunity
Elitehealth.com  (senior tab select events)
Friendshipcenters.org