Heart to Heart Hospice, one of the largest private providers of hospice care in the United States, has officially launched the Heart to Heart Hospice Foundation. Funded primarily through generous donations from families and friends of Heart to Heart Hospice patients, the Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit public charity that provides financial support for patients nearing end of life, their families, and the greater community through four unique programs. Each program includes both financial support for critical unmet needs as well as much-needed education for the under-utilized and often misinterpreted field of hospice and palliative care.
“This Foundation was established through the generosity of our patients and their families, and it is our responsibility to give back in as many ways as possible. There’s no limit to the potential benevolence of this organization.”
- Patient and Family Need: Support grants that improve quality of life for patients and their families suffering from financial hardship.
- Education and Scholarship: Endow hospice, palliative care and gerontology scholarships; Provide end of life education and training for caregivers and the community at large.
- Veterans Care: Honor our nation’s veterans by providing financial support for those facing life-limiting illnesses as well as counseling, legal services, transportation, legacy programs, education grants for veteran organizations and other services.
- Alzheimer’s Support: Provide grants and financial support for those with late-stage Alzheimer’s disease and dementia; educational grants and continuing education for health care professionals; and caregiver support programs.
The Foundation is unique in that it serves not only hospice patients and their families, but the community at large through end of life support and education. “We’re fortunate to have a charitable foundation that touches the lives of so many hospice patients and their families as well as the surrounding communities,” said Kelly Mitchell, Founder and President of the Heart to Heart Hospice Foundation. “This Foundation was established through the generosity of our patients and their families, and it is our responsibility to give back in as many ways as possible. There’s no limit to the potential benevolence of this organization.”
Heart to Heart Hospice Foundation has contributed substantial support to the community. In 2015, the Foundation provided 80 grants to patients or their families totaling more than $72,000. This year, the Foundation is poised to provide nearly $250,000 in scholarships; Alzheimer’s, veteran and cancer support; ongoing patient and family need grants; and end of life education to the community.
The Foundation recently endowed a $25,000 undergraduate palliative studies scholarship at Madonna University in Livonia, MI, plus an annual, renewable scholarship for a Masters or PhD student. In addition, the Foundation has finalized an endowed scholarship as well as funding for professional internships and community education at the University of North Texas. The Foundation will also partner with the University of Southern California for multicultural palliative care research to develop an evidence-based series of palliative care resources. To donate, learn about scholarships and grant opportunities, or to volunteer, please visit us at www.htohhfoundation.org or call 855-HEART26.