Project Compassion, Inc.

Description

A Fort Smith-based nonprofit, Project Compassion is dedicated to the dream come true of its founder, the late Gloria White, who worked tirelessly to see that no nursing home resident would live or die alone or be without a friend to care about and to count on for occasional visits. Project Compassion began in 1972 as a volunteer one-to-one visitation program. Today, this focus is still the heartbeat of the organization. Project Compassion volunteers visit with residents, listen to them, encourage them to reminisce and maintain interest in people, activities and events in the nursing home and in the greater community. Volunteers of all ages provide friendship, music and pet therapy. They also assist residents with bingo, shopping, crafts, field trips and other group activities. We have a variety of fun activities and volunteer opportunities for school students and youth organizations to give back to their communities as they make friends with our residents. These are our GrandFriends ages 5-17. The Hearts of Gold campaign helps to provide gifts of warm clothing and comfort to those with no family at Christmas and in other times of need. At Easter, plush bunnies and other small gifts are delivered to residents by volunteers. We help residents live a vibrant, purposeful life and friendship is one of the most important aspects of living well. We are a United Way Community Partner.