Austin, TX – August 21, 2017 – The Board of Directors of Care Communities has made the heart-wrenching and extremely difficult decision to dissolve the organization. Economic and funding challenges have created an unsustainable financial situation. The office closing will be on or before October 31, 2017. Every effort will be made to ensure the smooth transition of our care partners, volunteers, and staff.
“It has been our esteemed honor to serve those in our community who have faced serious illness alone or with little to no support and who have extremely limited resources. We have had the great privilege of working with phenomenal volunteers and outstanding staff who have given of themselves to ease the pain and suffering of our clients,” says Executive Director Mary Hearon.
For over 25 years, Care Communities has been the only volunteer-based nonprofit that provided free, team-driven practical assistance for people confronted with life-threatening illness in Central Texas who needed simplified and compassionate care in an era of decreasing personal connection. Hundreds of volunteers have served thousands of people.
Founded in 1991, Care Communities has been delivering its unique model of service focusing on HIV/AIDS and cancer. Care Communities began as a program of what was then Interfaith Action of Central Texas. This volunteer-based program provided supportive services to persons diagnosed with HIV/AIDS as part of the Central Texas AIDS Interfaith Network and served clients with an AIDS diagnosis. In the mid- 1990’s, this program incorporated as its own nonprofit organization: Interfaith Care Alliance. In the mid 2000’s, the Board of Directors expanded the agency’s mission to include people living with cancer and changed the organization’s name to Care Communities.
Care Communities wishes to thank all the One Voice Central Texas organizations and its partner organizations, including AIDS Services of Austin, Breast Cancer Resource Center, Family Eldercare, and Meals on Wheels Central Texas, which helped ensure a continuum of services for clients through the years.
Care Communities has been very fortunate to have had the long-time support of foundations, faith communities,
and individuals too numerous to mention here. Particular gratitude is expressed to St. David’s Foundation, Shivers Foundation, Stillwater Foundation, Donald D. Hammill Foundation, Isla Carroll Turner Friendship Trust, and Sertoma Club. Further, the enduring support from the Hill Country Ride for AIDS and the Texas Mamma Jamma Ride made it possible to provide our vital services.
Contact:
Mary Hearon
[email protected]
512-459-5883
