Inspired Generosity Award Winners
2024
Heart of Mary House
Nashville, Tenn.
This nonprofit hospice in the Nashville area specifically serves patients who have nowhere else to go. Some are homeless, others are estranged from their families, but all are in the last weeks of their lives.
Heart of Mary House was founded by Kim Derrick. A former home hospice nurse, Kim often saw patients who had no one to care for them despite being bed-bound and having few resources.
The need for compassionate care compelled her to open HOMH in 2022. She requested volunteers, and - to her surprise - college students answered the call.
The staff provides medical care, while the volunteers - like the college student who nominated Heart of Mary House, Rebecca Grunkemeyer - provide companionship and support to people in their final days.
Rebecca said every day she volunteers helps her to realize what truly matters.
"It's definitely something that makes me want to encourage college students to think more about the deeper things of life," she said.
Visit the Heart of Mary House website.