Golden Hours at DayBreak was created with one purpose: to make afternoons meaningful, energizing and deeply supportive for the people who participate. Designed intentionally for individuals who benefit from shorter, structured engagement later in the day, the program centers on what participants feel, experience and become when they enter the space.
Arriving Ready to Belong
Participants begin their Golden Hours experience by arriving at 1:30pm—a time thoughtfully chosen based on research supporting afternoon programming for individuals with brain changes. The shorter session avoids the fatigue that can accompany long program days and instead welcomes participants at a moment when they are most alert and receptive. The intentional afternoon programming also smooths transitions into the evening and is designed to lower incidents of behaviors such as sundowning in the evening. The structured afternoon routine also allows everyone to join activities together, building a natural sense of camaraderie and community, by focusing on collaborative projects over a six-week period.
Being Engaged, Not Overwhelmed
Golden Hours is intentionally designed for individuals who may require a structured program due to cognitive changes, but are independent with their activities of daily living. The cohort is limited to seven individuals on each cycle intentionally, so that those who participate can engage with each other meaningfully. Our six-week themed programming is designed to encourage engagement with the broader community, focus on tangible goals, and support memory and cognitive function. Participants start the cohort with a goal, and walk away at the end with a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
Because everyone in the program follows the same afternoon schedule, participants enjoy a consistent rhythm. They work together on projects, celebrate progress together, and share a sense of purpose. This thoughtful structure reinforces a sense of belonging and reduces the anxiety that can result from constantly changing groups or uneven pacing.
“We’ve seen truly remarkable transformation in just a short time. One participant who once answered everything with a single word is now lighting up the room—laughing, initiating conversations, and fully engaging in the activities. It’s moments like that that make your jaw drop. We’ve also had participants feel so at home here that they’ve asked to come more often. Golden Hours is more than an afternoon program—it’s a space where people come alive again.” — Amelia Hamm, Director of Home and Community Based Services, Garden Spot Communities
Creativity That Builds Confidence
Golden Hours has quickly become a place where participants express themselves in new and joyful ways. Creative projects—such as the group’s debut skit, Shopping Shenanigans—offer participants opportunities to laugh, perform, collaborate and discover new strengths. Participants of Golden Hours curated every aspect of this skit, from writing the script and inventing the characters to designing the costumes and creating the set. Team members celebrate these moments enthusiastically, recognizing that creativity builds confidence and sparks joy.
For many, participating in something imaginative and fun is profoundly validating. These shared experiences remind participants that they continue to have stories to tell, humor to share and talents to explore. The joy on the participants’ faces as they came out and saw their loved ones in the audience was enough to bring a tear to your eye.
“The production was such a joyful journey, and our participants poured their creativity, humor, and heart into every moment you saw on stage. The production encouraged their confidence, celebrated their hard work, and reminded us all of the power of community. I walked away feeling so incredibly excited about what we are doing.” — Samantha Parry, DayBreak Director
A Gateway to Greater Confidence and Community
For many individuals, Golden Hours becomes a gentle, positive introduction to broader community engagement. The environment is supportive yet not overwhelming, structured yet not restrictive, and joyful without being chaotic. Participants often grow more confident, more social and more willing to explore additional DayBreak services as they discover that they truly belong here.
Learn More
To learn more about Golden Hours and the ways it can help your loved one thrive, contact DayBreak at 717.355.6226.