About | Friends at the Lake
Friends at the Lake participants and volunteers dressed up for a themed activity day
Contacts
Contact Friends at the Lake for program information.
Schedule
Program dates and times are listed on our calendar.
About Us
Friends at the Lake is a volunteer-driven social model program serving people living with dementia and their caregivers.
Our Mission
Our mission is to nurture identity, connection, security, autonomy, purpose, growth, and joy.
Whose Eligible / What We Provide
We provide friendship, meaningful activity, socialization, and caregiver respite.
Signs It Might Be Time for Respite Care
Caregiving for a loved one with dementia is rewarding, but it's also demanding. If you're feeling stretched thin, running on empty, or finding it hard to get through daily errands, you're not alone — and it doesn't mean you're failing. Common signs it may be time to explore respite care include constant fatigue, skipping your own medical appointments, feeling isolated from friends and activities you used to enjoy, or noticing that stress is affecting your patience or health. Programs like Friends at the Lake give both of you a break: your loved one spends the day in a safe, engaging environment with trained volunteers, while you get time back to rest, run errands, or simply breathe.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Friends at the Lake meets every Tuesday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Lake Street United Methodist Church in Eau Claire. Your first visit starts with a warm welcome from our volunteers and Program Director, Laurie Van Beek. Throughout the day, participants take part in music, art, brain fitness, and social activities designed around their abilities and interests, plus a family-style meal and snacks. There's no medical care or personal care assistance provided — just genuine connection, meaningful activity, and companionship. Sessions are $45, with scholarships available if cost is a barrier.
Caregiver Support Group
If you are caring for someone living with dementia, you are not alone. Our Caregiver Support Group is designed to support caregivers with education, resources, and connection with others who understand the journey.

2026 Dates: July 14, August 18, September 8, October 13, November 10, December 8
Time: 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Where: Lake Street United Methodist Church, 337 Lake St., Eau Claire, WI
Contact: Laurie Van Beek, 715-832-6603, laurievb@lakestreetumc.org

Forms For Admission
Caregivers Testimonials
"I feel my husband feels very happy when he comes here. He tends to smile more."
“it's an amazing program, extremely blessed and satisfied.”
“She looks forward to it every week.”
“When we arrive, someone is always there to welcome him.”
“There are so many fun and unique activities, crafts, music etc.”
“Interesting activities to enrich his daily life.”
“As caregivers, we get 4 hours a week to ourselves to run errands.
The participant is very happy when she is picked up so I know she had a good day.”
“Having some time off from caregiving, provided, lunch, low cost,socialization for my loved one, and being inspired by the awesome volunteers.”
“It’s been good for us. We look forward to Tuesdays. He is in a good mood all day.”
“I think I am more relaxed with having time for self-care. My husband is always happy and glad when I pick him up. He enjoys it.”
“Giving me an opportunity to get things done; giving her an opportunity to socialize.”
Our Calendar
Our Contact Information

Laurie Van Beek - Program Director
Lake street United Methodist Church
337 Lake St., Eau Claire, WI, 54701
715-832-660

Friends at the Lake participants and volunteers dressed up for a themed activity day

About Us

Start
Photo
Volunteers
About
Calendar
Contacts
Contact Friends at the Lake for program information.
Schedule
Program dates and times are listed on our calendar.
About Us
Friends at the Lake is a volunteer-driven social model program serving people living with dementia and their caregivers.
Our Mission
Our mission is to nurture identity, connection, security, autonomy, purpose, growth, and joy.
Whose Eligible / What We Provide
We provide friendship, meaningful activity, socialization, and caregiver respite.
Forms For Admission
Caregivers Testimonials
"I feel my husband feels very happy when he comes here. He tends to smile more."
“it's an amazing program, extremely blessed and satisfied.”
“She looks forward to it every week.”
“When we arrive, someone is always there to welcome him.”
“There are so many fun and unique activities, crafts, music etc.”
“Interesting activities to enrich his daily life.”
“As caregivers, we get 4 hours a week to ourselves to run errands.
The participant is very happy when she is picked up so I know she had a good day.”
“Having some time off from caregiving, provided, lunch, low cost,socialization for my loved one, and being inspired by the awesome volunteers.”
“It’s been good for us. We look forward to Tuesdays. He is in a good mood all day.”
“I think I am more relaxed with having time for self-care. My husband is always happy and glad when I pick him up. He enjoys it.”
“Giving me an opportunity to get things done; giving her an opportunity to socialize.”
Our Calendar
Our Contact Information
Laurie Van Beek - Program Director
Lake street United Methodist Church
337 Lake St., Eau Claire, WI, 54701
715-832-660