Last summer I was introduced to the Friends Foundation and got to go along with the volunteers and deliver some hot meals to their clients. I loved seeing the smiles of both the delivery drivers and the people receiving the meals. Here is an introduction to an awesome lady- Kathy Carriker, and the Friends Foundation in Dripping Springs!
Hi Kathy! Tell us more about yourself…
My husband Steve says, “There is no such thing as a retired educator.” I guess he might be right.We moved to our ranch west of Dripping Springs in 2004. I volunteered as a reading tutor at Dripping Springs Elementary for several years. I also joined the Dripping Springs Women’s Club and soon became a board member. After attending The Friends Foundation’s Bbq Fundraiser in 2006, I started delivering Our Daily Bread meals to our homebound elderly. In 2007, I joined The Friends Foundation board and have been President since 2018. In addition to The Friends Foundation, I have also served on several boards in Hays County.
What is The Friends Foundation?
The Friends Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that provides services to seniors 60 or better in the greater Dripping Springs area. Our Foundation is a 100% volunteer organization. The Friends Foundation has 11 board members. Our Daily Bread has 23 regular volunteer drivers and 9 substitute drivers.
What services do they provide?
These services are offered through The Friends Foundation to seniors 60 and over: Our Daily Bread provides hot meal home delivery three times each week to homebound seniors in the greater Dripping Spring area. We are the only hot meal home delivery program in the greater Dripping Springs area.Our med alert program provides the safety, security & independence for seniors living independently, by providing medical alert services through Lifeline.
Our financial assistance program provides assistance for rent, utilities, and other needs to low-income seniors who qualify under our guidelines. This program is our only income-qualifying program.Our extra activities at Hill Country Nursing and Rehabilitation provide those residents with a variety of extra programs and experiences to enhance their daily routines.The Friends Foundation supports other non-profits in the greater Dripping Springs area that provide services for the elderly in our area.
How do people sign up for your services?
Go to www.thefriendsfoundation.org or call 512-592-1345 for program applications and more information
Can you tell us more about the needs that the elderly have in Dripping Springs?
We try to meet the needs of the elderly in the Greater Dripping Springs area by providing our services where they are needed. We have a wonderful group of volunteer drivers for Our Daily Bread hot meal delivery. These volunteers offer not only a hot meal but a friendly face and a bit of visiting with our area seniors who may not get out of their homes very often.
What is your favorite part of volunteering for the foundation?
I enjoy meeting and visiting with people. I get to do that as an Our Daily Bread Driver. Running an organization in a town that is growing as fast as Dripping Springs gives me the chance to visit lots of new folks! Helping others never gets old. Dripping Springs has many long-time residents who need our services plus many new seniors who are moving here to be closer to family. Meeting seniors in their homes and finding out what part The Friends Foundation can play in making their life more manageable makes The Friends Foundation a useful part of our growing community. That feels good!
How do you raise support for the foundation?
Before Covid, we had an annual BBQ fundraiser and live auction to raise support for our foundation. During Covid, we went to an online auction and a Gold Ticket sale to raise our needed funds. Of course, we write grants to help raise money for the foundation. We appreciate the support from the Hays County Community Grant program!We are excited to be able to bring back our in-person BBQ this year on Thursday, October 12 at the Creekside Event Center in Driftwood. Tickets are available on our website: www.thefriendsfoundation.org.
One Hundred Gold Tickets will be on sale September 11-19. The Gold Tickets are $100 per ticket. There will be a drawing for one ticket and the winning ticket holder will get to choose one of the featured items in the online auction. Stay tuned for more details on the terrific featured items! The online auction will begin on September 21-30. You can bid from the comfort of your own home!!!
What are some ways locals can get involved?
Local residents and businesses can help by becoming a sponsor for our fundraiser or by donating an item or items to our upcoming online auction and BBQ! Email us at info@thefriendsfoundation.org or go to thefriendsfoundation.org .
Call or text: 512-592-1345. The Friends Foundation is looking for committed Our Daily Bread sub-drivers to help out our regular drivers who sometimes have to take off. We are also looking for a volunteer to help coordinate the drivers and clients for Our Daily Bread and a volunteer to help with the Lifeline program.
How can we learn more or follow you online? Go to www.thefriendsfoundation.com or call 512-592-1345. You can find us on Facebook or Instagram.
I love how people in Dripping Springs take care of each other!
Looking to move to this area, Austin or the hill country? I am a local Dripping Springs Real Estate Agent and would love to help you buy or sell a home in this area! Contact me and we can get started! 512-569-8480 or laurenclark@magnoliarealty.com
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