Respite and in-home services have been identified by caregivers as vital for maintaining a frail older person in the community. A program called The Alzheimer Support/Tender Loving Caregivers Project was undertaken in northwest Indiana to strengthen the informal support network of disabled elderly in the community. An interfaith coalition of churches and a mental health center recruited and trained volunteers, identified impaired older persons and their families, and matched volunteers to need. Volunteers were instructed in providing respite, referral, and advocacy services to frail, homebound elderly and their families. To evaluate the program, descriptive data were collected from individuals attending training sessions, volunteers, caregivers, clergy/volunteer coordinators, and mental health professionals. Knowledge level after training, volunteer attrition and services, caregiver interviews, and coordinator interviews were used to rate and track the effectiveness of the program. Results showed that: (1) training increased knowledge and was favorably assessed by participants; (2) support groups were self-contained; (3) church congregations benefited from the educational component; (4) services were provided to 44 noninstitutionalized persons, most of whom were not church members; and (5) most service requests were handled informally although a formal interview was also used. Seventeen months was considered sufficient time to begin the coalition, recruit and train volunteers, and develop support groups. (Recommendations for replicating the project are included.) (ABL)