At Hosparus Health, we believe in providing comprehensive care that supports not only our patients but also their families and support systems. Our new partnership with Dare to Care allows us to address a critical need: food insecurity among our patients and their households. We’re inviting compassionate individuals to join us as volunteers in this impactful program.
About the Dare to Care Program
The Dare to Care partnership provides food assistance to hospice and palliative care patients and their families. When social workers identify a need during patient assessments — whether due to financial constraints, health issues, or lack of access to resources — a request is submitted to add the family to our food delivery program.
How It Works:
- Preparation and Sorting: Administrative volunteers make phone calls to families to gather essential details, such as household size, dietary restrictions, and access to refrigeration or cooking equipment. Based on this information, an order is placed with Dare to Care.
- Food Pickup: Volunteers visit the Dare to Care warehouse on Fern Valley Road in Louisville to pick up pre-ordered food and shop for fresh produce and bread.
- Delivery: Volunteers sort the food into insulated bags and boxes at Hosparus Health’s office, then deliver it directly to patients’ homes. Deliveries take place twice a month, on the first and third Tuesdays.
- Service Area: To ensure timely and reliable service for our patients and families, our volunteers currently deliver to Jefferson, Bullitt, Shelby, Spencer, and Oldham counties.
Why This Matters
Food insecurity is a significant social determinant of health. For many patients and families, limited mobility, financial challenges, or a lack of support systems prevent access to basic necessities. This program bridges that gap, ensuring patients and their loved ones have access to nutritious food that enhances their quality of life.
Through this initiative, we extend our mission of compassionate care beyond medical services, recognizing that meeting basic needs like food is essential to overall well-being.
Volunteer Roles and Time Commitment
- Delivery Volunteers: Deliver pre-packed food to 2–3 homes in the greater-Louisville area. Each delivery takes approximately 2–3 hours, including pickup, travel, and delivery.
- Administrative Volunteers: Assist with phone calls to families to gather food preferences and delivery details.
Currently, we’re seeking 15 delivery volunteers to help us meet the growing demand. Whether you have a few hours to spare each month or are looking for a meaningful way to give back, we’d love to have you on our team.
How to Get Involved
Volunteering with Dare to Care is a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. By joining this program, you’ll help ensure that our patients and their families receive the nourishment and care they need.
To feel comfortable in your role, everyone completes Hosparus Health’s volunteer training. Visit hosparus.org/volunteers to view all upcoming sessions. If you’d like to learn more about Dare to Care opportunities at Hosparus Health, please contact Senior Manager of Volunteer Services Sylvia Johnson at sjohnson1@hosparus.org or 502-815-535.
Together, we can make a lasting impact.