Why Work With Us
Our CommunityBoard of Directors
Roxanne Cheney (Chair) Rev Greg Tumey (Vice-Chair) Rev Sandy Stone (Development) Stacy Federico (Volunteer Coordinator) Sharon Asbury (Meal Facilitator) Don Rapske (Secretary) Bill HIles (Treasurer) Jennifer Gripshover (networking) Laura Dake (networking) Rachel Eldridge (risk manager) Jill Watson (fund raising) |
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Our Purpose
“Feeling sad, lonely and useless is more than just an emotional quagmire for millions of Americans. Researchers now contend that social isolation and loneliness may represent a greater public health hazard than obesity or a near pack-a-day smoking habit. And the problem is growing. An AARP loneliness study published in 2010 and now being updated reported that approximately 42.6 million U.S. adults ages 45 and older were suffering from loneliness. A 2018 Cigna survey indicates that Generation Z, adults between ages 18 and 22, may be the loneliest group of Americans. Additionally, census data reveal that more than one-fourth of Americans live alone and more than half are unmarried, with marriage rates and the number of children per household steadily declining. It's clear that being alone and unhappy about it "are risk factors for early illness and death that need to be discussed more openly and for which solutions must continue to be developed," says Lisa Marsh Ryerson, president of the AARP Foundation.” (Sadick, B., U.S. News, Sept 6, 2018)
Our non-profit, started from a very small group from our own church, and has expanded to include a diversity of faith based people on our Board, and many associate members who have dedicated significant personal time to helping others in need. Additionally, we have partnered with the Youth Movement Against Alzheimers whose local chapter is located at the University of Kentucky. Furthermore, we have reached out to the majority of churches in our community to offer them the opportunity to play an active role in being good shepherds to the people in our community who scream out silently for someone to love them, pay attention and acknowledge them, and to help them.
Experts agree, the remedy to loneliness is increasing meaningful social connections; relationships that make us feel cared for and understood. A Caring Place's purpose is to meet that strong human need to belong. We can make a difference. Come join us!
Get InvolvedIf you're interested in being a part of our movement for change, please do not hesitate. Our team is filled of many dedicated individuals, but we're always looking for more help. We strongly believe that many hands make light work, and we're hoping for as many helping hands as possible.
You can volunteer for anyone or all of our programs: phone buddy, home visitor, welcome center, driver for noon meals, reading buddy and or letter/card writer to our participants or for our participants. Training is provided, along with continuous support. If interested, please refer to our volunteer section for more information, or contact us. |
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