History
A Mission With Heart
Everyone knows the feeling...an inexplicable tug at the heart
that draws us to something in a way that seems beyond our control.
There is an inherent curiosity, a quiet passion, a gravitational
pull. And there is a distinct feeling of satisfaction and delight
when we are allowed to move toward the source of it all. Most
people save the objects of their joy for small crevices of time
that form in the solid mass of their busy lives; but for some,
the calling is so strong, the dedication so intense, they actually
make it their life's work.
Beth Carrigan is one of these people.
When she was just 5 years old, Beth was with her mother when
she saw an elderly woman sitting alone at a bus stop. Worried
that the woman might be lonely, she asked where the lady was
going. "I don't know," her mother replied. "Why
don't you go ask her?" So she did, and something wonderful
happened. On that day, the seeds of Beth Carrigan's crusade
to reach out to America's seniors were planted. They just never
stopped growing and twenty-five years ago, when Beth was visiting
a family member in a retirement community, she noticed that
many of the residents seemed to have no visitors and were living
out their days in utter despair and loneliness.
Light Heart Foundation is Born
Beth established and incorporated The Light Heart Foundation
in 1996. It was granted nonprofit status in 1997.
Beth’s first big effort to spread the Light involved
organizing and training volunteers to make regular visits to
one of the dozens of participating senior facilities. She wanted
to alleviate some of the loneliness and isolation she had seen
in so many elders, and to replace it with the warmth of human
kindness and caring. For these all important visits, Beth succeeded
recruiting spirited volunteers from all sectors of the community,
including public schools, private citizens, business and industry.
Community Involvement Projects
Beth developed several projects which could offer a fun structure
for the visits to the seniors and provide a variety of opportunities
for the community to participate.
Ongoing Youth Service Learning Program
• Project
H.U.G. ™, Helping Unite Generations
Seasonal Events
• Animals
on Parade ™ Valentine's Day Celebration
• Spring
Into Caring ™
• Gardens
of Good Wishes ™
• Elder
Recognition Month
• Magic
In Believing ™, Holiday Gift Drive
Headquarters Relocate
Light Heart Foundation moved to Cottonwood, Arizona in 1999
where the Foundation now orchestrates many programs and projects
both in California and Northern Arizona.
In May of 2006, with friends and supporters from several communities
in attendance, Light Heart Foundation celebrated its 10 year
anniversary in its new regional headquarters.
Number of Senior Facilities and Schools
Expand
There are now 17 senior residential facilities in the Verde
Valley and 1 facility in Prescott Valley that have participated
in Light Heart’s projects. In 2006, Light Heart also added
seniors living at home who are participating in the Meals on
Wheels Program through the Sedona Community Center and the Verde
Valley Senior Center. Facilities in San Fernando, California
continue their involvement.
There are over 8 schools, and several youth clubs and organizations
throughout the Verde Valley that have worked with Light Heart
both in its seasonal projects and in Project H.U.G., a Youth
Service Learning Program.
What began as one woman's solitary mission is turning into
a movement that is gaining momentum. Enthusiasm continues to
expand through the community with many Chambers of Commerce,
Community Organizations, Businesses and Colleges throughout
Greater Sedona /Verde Valley, Prescott Valley, and California
inquiring about how to become involved.
