Memory Connection | Woodland UMC

What is the Memory Connection?

The Memory Connection, a weekly respite program located in Rock Hill, South Carolina, serves adults in the early to moderate stages of dementia. Offering a warm, encouraging environment, we provide comfort, engagement, and purpose for adults living with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Participant Benefits

Companionship and personal connections
Increased confidence and engagement
Reduced loneliness and anxiety
Encouragement, structure, and familiarity

Care Partner Benefits

Time for self-care, rest, and personal tasks
Monthly support group for connection and encouragement
Peace of mind knowing your loved one is safe and valued
Affordable and reliable assistance

Each day is carefully structured to nurture body, mind, and spirit through activities and meaningful connections. Participants can look forward to activities such as:

Cognitive & Creative: games, puzzles, arts, and crafts
Physical & Musical: chair yoga, gentle movement, and sing-alongs
Spiritual & Social: devotions, fellowship, and shared meals
Therapeutic & Hands-On: cooking, gardening, and animal therapy

Volunteer With Us!

Join our volunteer team to brighten someone’s day! Social isolation is one of the biggest challenges for people living with dementia, and your time can make a real difference. Volunteering with The Memory Connection at Woodland United Methodist Church offers you the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of individuals with dementia and their families.

Volunteers benefit from:

The experience of joy and a driving sense of purpose
A means to develop the fruit of the spirit
Social connection with other purpose-driven individuals

Download Volunteer Packet

Memory Connection's Leadership Team

Juliette Phillpot, Program Director, was born and raised in the Bahamas and has served in ministry at both the conference and local church levels for over 30 years. She holds a master’s degree in Christian Education and is a Certified Lay Servant in the Methodist Church.

Juliette brings both professional training and deep personal compassion to her role as Director of The Memory Connection. She has completed extensive dementia-care training, including the Dementia and Alzheimer’s Wellbeing Network (DAWN), Teepa Snow’s

GEMS® training, Dementia 101 and 102 through the South Carolina Department on Aging, certification as a dementia care volunteer, and Respite for All basic training.

Outside of her ministry work, Juliette was a foster parent for six years, caring for children with special and medical needs. Her experiences as a caregiver and mother continue to shape her passion for creating a safe, supportive, and joy-filled community for individuals living with dementia and their care partners.

Pam Johnson, Assistant Program Director, was raised in Mooresville, North Carolina, and earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Winthrop College.

She has dedicated 38 years to music education, teaching elementary music, middle and high school chorus, and piano, as well as directing numerous school musicals. In addition, she taught private piano and voice lessons. Her professional career reflects a deep commitment to music performance and education.

Outside of work, she values spending time with her husband, Jeff, a committed volunteer at The Memory Connection, and their five grandchildren. The Memory Connection is a deeply meaningful ministry they share, and they believe they are called by God to serve in this work.

Join Our Support Group

You don’t have to face caregiving alone. Join our Dementia and Alzheimer's support group, held on the second Monday of each month at 10:00 a.m.

Share experiences, swap tips, and gain encouragement from care partners just like you. Designed with care partners in mind, our support group helps you connect with others navigating the challenges of dementia.
Together, we’ll navigate the complexities of caring for a loved one with dementia.

Email memoryconnection@woodlandumcrockhill.org to learn more about our monthly support group.

Support Group Leadership

Pastor Robin Griffeth, who leads Woodland United Methodist Church and the monthly Care Partner support group, holds a Master’s degree in both Counseling and Theology and is an ordained United Methodist pastor. With over 10 years of experience as a professional support group facilitator, she brings a compassionate, person-centered approach to care and community support.

Pastor Robin has extensive training in dementia care and caregiver support, including certification as a Dementia and Alzheimer’s Wellbeing Network (DAWN) Care Specialist. Additional training includes Teepa Snow’s GEMS program, Dementia 101 and 102 through the South Carolina Department on Aging, and Respite for All basic training.

Come Join the Fun!