Supporting Care: Carolina Caring Foundation
Carolina Caring Foundation
Since our founding in 1979, Carolina Caring has been a beacon of hope for patients and families across western North Carolina. Driven by a dedication to helping our community, we provide comprehensive and compassionate care to those navigating serious illnesses.
The Carolina Caring Foundation supports our organization by securing funding, cultivating community partnerships, and connecting donors to the needs of patients and families. This allows us to serve individuals who may otherwise go without care.
Our mission is to provide world-class, compassionate care by engaging individuals and their families to enhance their quality of life. Our vision is to lead the advancement of palliative medicine, hospice, and end-of-life care by becoming the most valued and preferred resource for patients, families, and community partners. We are committed to embracing innovation and continual learning to achieve exceptional organizational and individual performance.
For more information about gift opportunities, contact us or call us at 828.466.0466.
Ways To Give
There are countless ways to support Carolina Caring’s mission. Every contribution, big or small, makes a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families facing serious illness and loss.
Make a Donation
Support us in providing compassionate and comprehensive care.
Purchase a Memorial Brick
Honor the memory of your loved one on our Pathways of Promise.
Life Enrichment Fund
Fulfill essential non-medical needs by donating to the Life Enrichment Fund.
Pet Peace of Mind
Help hospice patients care for their furry friends.
Circle of Life Society
Create an enduring legacy by establishing a planned gift.
Cardinal Kids
Be a beacon of hope for children with serious illnesses.
Resale Shop
Support Carolina Caring through our Hospice Resale Shop.
Donate Patient Comfort Items
Enhance the high-quality care we provide by donating essential supplies.
About Us
Our Mission
Support the mission of Carolina Caring by creating awareness, cultivating relationships and securing resources through philanthropy.
Our Vision
To secure the future of Carolina Caring by generating the resources needed for expansion and innovation.
Our Leadership
The Carolina Caring Foundation is led by Tara Bland, a nonprofit professional whose extensive experience and steadfast commitment to healthcare advocacy drive our organization forward.
Tara Bland
Executive Director, Carolina Caring Foundation
Tara has over 20 years of experience in relationship development, event planning, and professional fundraising. Prior to joining Carolina Caring, Tara served as Executive Director of the SALT Block Foundation where she was responsible for fundraising and community engagement efforts in support of the local cultural community.
A Hickory native, Tara received her undergraduate degree in communications from Appalachian State University and went on to earn a masters degree in liberal studies with a focus in community engagement and leadership from Lenoir-Rhyne University. Tara’s commitment to the community has led to her involvement in several non-profit charitable organizations to include her membership in the Rotary Club of Hickory and Service League of Hickory where she has served on the board of directors and as president of both organizations. Tara currently serves on the board for Catawba Valley Young Life and as the board president of Habitat for Humanity of Catawba Valley.
Inspired by her family’s personal experience with Carolina Caring, Tara’s goal is to ensure that all have access to our world-class services through fundraising and the charitable contributions of our community.
Palliative Medicine
Our palliative medicine program focuses on supporting patients facing serious illnesses. We offer pain and symptom management, counseling, education, advocacy, and advance care planning. We strive to improve quality of life, decrease hospitalizations and help patients and families make important medical decisions.
Hospice Care
Our hospice care program provides comfort and dignity to individuals nearing the end of life. With hopes of helping patients live as fully as possible, our interdisciplinary team works tirelessly to alleviate pain, offer emotional guidance, and give family members the space to process their grief.
House Calls
House calls eliminate barriers to care by bringing essential medical services directly to patients’ homes. This personalized approach ensures that individuals facing mobility challenges, chronic illnesses, or other obstacles can access high-quality healthcare.
Cardinal Kids
Cardinal Kids is a community-based healthcare program dedicated to providing comprehensive pediatric palliative medicine and hospice care to children across western North Carolina. As one of the only pediatric palliative care programs in the state, Cardinal Kids helps seriously ill children experience moments of joy and comfort despite their diagnosis.
How We Serve Our Communities
Every donation to the Carolina Caring Foundation funds vital healthcare services and programming.
A Story of Exceptional Care
When Kerry and her family first met Emily in the hospital, it was love at first sight. However, it quickly became evident that she would need more support than they could provide alone. That’s when Kerry reached out to us for help.
“The support we received was unparalleled and made all the difference in helping our family heal.”
Kerry, parent of Carolina Caring patient
What Makes Carolina Caring Different
Since 1979, North Carolina families have trusted us to help them through some of life’s toughest moments. Here’s why:
Compassionate Staff
Our dedicated team members approach each patient with warmth and empathy. They understand that their job isn’t just about addressing medical needs but also nurturing emotional well-being, fostering a sense of comfort and helping patients fill each day with purpose.
Gold Seal of Approval
Carolina Caring has earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval for healthcare quality and safety in home care after a rigorous evaluation process. This prestigious recognition underscores our dedication to meeting—and then surpassing—care standards.
Community Presence
In our 45 years of service, we have developed strong relationships with the hospitals and medical systems in our 12-county community. This helps us provide patients with more comprehensive and integrated healthcare.
Financial Flexibility
We never deny a family access to care because of finances or insurance coverage. Instead, we work with patients to develop a plan that works for their budget and unique circumstances.
Hospice Resale Shop
The Hospice Resale Shop offers a unique shopping experience where you can find high-quality, gently used items at affordable prices. Every purchase directly supports Carolina Caring’s mission to provide compassionate care to those facing serious illness. The shop features a wide variety of items, including clothing, furniture, home décor, and more, all curated to meet the needs of our community. Whether you’re looking for a special find or simply want to support a great cause, the Resale Shop is the perfect place to shop with a purpose.
Why We Need Your Support
The U.S. population is changing. According to the Population Reference Bureau1, the number of Americans ages 65 and older is projected to increase by 47% by 2050. As these demographics shift, the demand for our palliative medicine and hospice care services is expected to rise significantly. That means we need your help more than ever before.
Your generous contributions allow us to continue providing compassionate care to individuals facing serious illnesses and end-of-life challenges in our 12-county service area. By working together, we can make a meaningful difference in improving healthcare across our community.
