On this episode of Aging Angst & Alleluias with Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly, we're celebrating a landmark moment for Veranda Ministries—the official signing of new legislation by Bill Lee that expands their reach! This victory means more clients served and an additional day of respite care each week—real help, real hope, and real impact for families navigating dementia care. It's a joyful, hard-earned win you won't want to miss.

And the celebration keeps going! Join us Thursday, April 30, 2026, for a one-of-a-kind Derby Day fundraiser—complete with six spirited horse-walker "racers," laughter, and community fun—all to support the life-changing work of The Veranda. It's more than an event… It's a "Standing Promotion" kind of day!

For more information on how you can contribute to Derby Day and choose your "horse", get on this link: https://verandaministries.square.site/product/2026-veranda-derby-day/XEMCXZ2T3ROAMUFF4QRZROEK?cs=true&cst=custom

In this powerful and joy-filled episode, we celebrate a significant milestone for respite care in Tennessee—new legislation that allows The Veranda to expand its reach, welcoming five additional clients into the day program and increasing care availability to 12 hours per week. This long-awaited breakthrough represents more than policy change—it's answered prayer, faithful perseverance, and a tangible step forward for caregivers and families who so deeply need support.

We also share the moving story of Julia, a devoted benefactor whose belief in Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly and her unwavering commitment to "honoring the project" helped carry the vision through seasons of uncertainty. Her generosity and faith remind us that behind every victory are people who quietly say "yes" to God's prompting—and mean it.

Plus, a heartfelt glimpse into a recent Dementia-Friendly Good Friday service, where sacred moments met real-life ministry. Mary Anne recounts the honor of singing "The Goodness of God" alongside her dear friend Louise, who lives with Frontal Temporal Dementia—a moment filled with tenderness, memory, and the unmistakable presence of God.

www.verandaministries.org

This episode of the Aging Angst and Alleluias Podcast features Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly and highlights the importance of respite care advocacy in Tennessee. She discusses the legislative landscape with compassion, shining a light on families and caregivers in need of support and dignity. The episode covers legislation such as SB1581 and HB1495 and recognizes leaders such as Sen. Ferrell Haile and Rep. William Slater, who champion limited respite care. It emphasizes that this is not a final victory but a hopeful 'meantime'—a moment for prayer and persistence—to keep progressing. It encourages listeners to join this journey, supporting ongoing engagement, prayer, and awareness of how compassionate, Christ-centered respite care can make a difference in Tennessee. Thanks to voices like Mary Anne's and dedicated leaders, our momentum remains strong and hopeful.