Side-By-Side Respite Ministry celebrates Mardi Gras in Long Beach

LONG BEACH, Miss. (WXXV) — First Methodist Church of Long Beach is celebrating Mardi Gras with their Side-By-Side Respite Ministry!

The program provides engaging activities for those with dementia, Alzheimer’s, traumatic brain injuries, and memory loss.

From 10 am to 2 pm every Wednesday, attendees enjoy games, dancing, music, food and themed activities. This week, of course, was Mardi Gras week… which wouldn’t be complete without a parade, second line, and home made king cake.

The free program that started three years ago with only three “friends” ,as the volunteers like to call them, has continuously grown, and is now supporting around 8-15 people per week.

Many participants return every Wednesday and with smiles lighting up every face in the room, its clear they enjoy the activities

They’re always looking for new friends to join the program.