Merriam-Webster characterizes the word “sonder” as “a profound … realization that each person has a life as rich and complex as our own,” filled with triumphs, challenges, love, and loss. Each of us experiences moments that shape who we are, for better or worse, and although our stories differ, one truth unites us all: For each of us, life eventually reaches its final chapter.
Caring Hearts and Hands of Columbia (CHHC), a local nonprofit providing 24-hour end-of-life care, strives to make this transition period as gentle as possible by bringing love and dignity to each guest’s final days, regardless of financial circumstance.
Co-founded in 2020 by Dorreen Rardin, a registered nurse with forty-seven years of experience, and Jackie Reed, a registered palliative care nurse at Boone Hospital with twenty-eight years of experience, the organization officially opened its doors in 2023 after pandemic-related delays.
“Dorreen had been the palliative care coordinator at Boone Hospital for about twenty years, and as she was retiring, I actually ended up moving into that department myself,” says Reed. “We saw lots of family members who were really struggling to take care of their loved one at the end of life, either emotionally, financially, or physically, because they didn’t have the resources to be able to take them home and provide 24-hour care.”
Reed notes that many people aren’t aware that Medicare covers hospice personnel in nursing homes; still, it doesn’t cover the cost of room and board, which can total a burdensome $10,000 or more per month.
Rardin had heard about a home in Tulsa, Oklahoma, called Clarehouse — a ten-bedroom social model hospice that focuses on the emotional, social, and practical well-being of each guest. After visiting, Reed says they fell in love with the concept.
“We knew that it would be the answer to a lot of the difficulties that a lot of our family members were facing.”
Care Rooted in Comfort
Volunteers staff the CHHC home from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with a team of caregivers rotating in overnight. As a social model home, it prioritizes holistic, community-based support rather than medical interventions, aiming to make each guest as comfortable as possible in their final moments. Because of this, guests must also be under the care of a hospice provider who maintains medical oversight. Family members are encouraged to visit and stay close to their loved ones throughout care.
“We try to tailor their care to their wants and needs,” explains Reed. “We find out what their favorite foods are, what shows they like to watch, and what music they enjoy. We try to make it as special an experience as possible.”
During the holidays, staff decorate the home to feel cozy — “a home away from home” — often baking cookies or serving refreshments for visiting families. Occasionally, musicians such as harpists, guitarists, or end-of-life singers are invited to create a calm, comforting atmosphere.
“A lot of family members comment on how homey and welcoming the home looks,” says Reed.
The house offers a spacious kitchen where family members can cook their own meals if they wish, as well as two extra bedrooms, so those traveling from farther away have a place to stay close to their loved ones without paying extra for accommodations.
Finding Beauty in Final Moments
With extensive experience in palliative care, Reed doesn’t deny the heaviness of the job — but she does emphasize the reward.
“People often ask us how we can keep doing this over and over. But you know, spending somebody’s last days, hours, and moments with them can be a really precious and sacred time.”
Reed recalls the story of one woman who had a favorite breakfast of fried sauerkraut and eggs. One morning, the guest said, “I want half of a banana. Please eat the other half, or it’ll go bad.” The guest, who had a heart condition, died later that day. Reed remembers how meaningful it was to give her that final breakfast she loved and make her morning special.
“The family members are always so incredibly grateful,” she adds. “Just knowing you’ve made a difference in someone’s life makes it worthwhile.”
Community Support and Growth
Thanks to an endowment, private donations, and fundraisers, CHHC continues to offer free services to guests and their families, easing the financial burden during an already difficult time.
One annual fundraiser, born out of pandemic-era limitations, is the Lights for Love Memorial Event. Held each October, Lights for Love invites families to donate in honor of loved ones who have passed — whether at the CHHC home or elsewhere — with each contribution represented by a glowing luminary that lights up the night in remembrance.
Reed believes it’s a meaningful community event where people can come together to celebrate the lives of those they’ve loved and connect with others who have experienced loss. It also helps the organization further its mission through funding. While care is free for guests and their families, CHHC asks that families consider memorial donations after their loved one has passed, allowing the nonprofit to continue serving others in need.
Under Missouri regulations, only two guests may be served in a residence that is not a licensed facility. When the house is full, individuals are placed on a waitlist. Guests typically stay for about thirty days, but if they show signs of improvement, they may be asked to relocate so more people can be accommodated. Reed hopes that if volunteer interest, funding, and demand remain stable, CHHC will one day be able to expand, perhaps opening a villa or duplex to serve more guests in a home-like setting.
Every guest’s journey may look different, but through the compassion of volunteers and the generosity of the community, Caring Hearts and Hands ensures that no guest has to face their final chapter alone. Those who are interested in volunteering with CHHC or donating to its mission can visit their website for more information.
Caring Hearts and Hands of Columbia
Mission: To provide a comfortable home where the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our guests and their families are met with compassion, love, and respect 24/7.
Board of directors
- Jackie Reed, RN
Co-Founder and Vice Chair - Kristen Dean
Treasurer and Board Chair - Beth Thompson
Secretary - Dorreen Rardin, RN
Co-Founder - Deborah Portell
Board Member - Dick Otto
Board Member - LeAnn Rehard, BSN, RN, NI-BC Board Member
- Chance Tacia
Board Member - Amira Nuur
Board Member - George Cox
Board Member
Guiding Values
- We offer a safe, warm, and loving environment where each resident and their family remain our priority and where no one dies alone.
- We consistently provide compassionate and excellent care for our residents.
- We respect and nurture the unique personal, cultural, and religious values of our residents and their families.
- We ensure an environment that promotes two-way communication, honesty, acceptance, and discovery for our residents and their families to help guide them on their end-of-life journey.
Caring Hearts and Hands of Columbia
(573) 530-6224
caringheartandhands.org
FB: CaringHeartsAndHandsCoMo
