No End To Hope

The Heartfelt Partnership between Callawassie Island and Friends of Caroline Hospice 

The heart of Callawassie Island has long been known as centered on community – whether that means the close-knit nature among fellow residents or making a felt difference that ripples throughout the surrounding area. In the best of both worlds, those two warm characteristics collide in a symbiotic relationship of mutual benefit, like the one Callawassie Island members and leaders have fostered with the non-profit hospice organization Friends of Caroline.  

As the only inpatient hospice inpatient facility in our area, Friends of Caroline (FOC) provides compassionate care for patients who cannot be cared for at home or in a nursing facility. It’s more than care. It’s personal: The mission of Friends of Caroline is to offer hope, encouragement, and support to those nearing the end-of-life journey, as well as to their families and others through a variety of services:  

• Hospice Care: Comprehensive care that manages pain and symptoms, addresses emotional and spiritual needs, and assists families in providing comfort and support.
• Palliative Care: Focused on improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses through symptom management and support.
• Grief Support: Counseling and support groups to help individuals cope with loss and navigate the grieving process.
• Respite Care: Available to offer support and strength for caregivers. 
• Caroline’s Cottage: The area’s first inpatient hospice facility, offering a homelike environment for patients who need short-term care or when home care is not an option.
  
  
  

A Mission that Resonates 

When Board of Trustees member Larry Chewning first became involved with FOC, he explains, “It was right in the middle of COVID. I’d spent my career in the hospital business as CEO of three different hospitals over 35 years, and it felt natural to get involved with Friends of Caroline. Every hospital I led had a hospice program, but there was nothing else like FOC in the area.” His connection is deeply personal, shaped by the loss of his mother when he was young, who passed in the arms of a hospice nurse. “Everywhere we go, we hear stories showing just how vital hospice care is.” 

Victor Neely, a long-time volunteer and Board member, echoes this passion while walking through that journey with his own mother this year. “When I was first invited to get involved a little over 5 years ago, I was immediately interested since I had seen the wonderful work hospice had done for my father and grandmother in Columbia, SC. Learning that FOC is a non-profit sealed the deal—there’s a huge difference between for-profit and non-profit missions, and this is an organization truly dedicated to care.” 

Lindsay Roberg, President and CEO of FOC, emphasizes the human side of hospice and the power of community recalling, “I was drawn to Friends of Caroline because of its mission and the way it meets people at one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. Over time, I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand how compassionate care impacts not only patients but also their families. Those experiences have shaped the way I view community. It’s reminded me that end-of-life care is not only about medical support, but also about presence, dignity, and love.” 

Caroline’s Cottage: A Regional Treasure 

One of FOC’s most significant contributions is Caroline’s Cottage, the organization’s inpatient facility. Larry shares, “We raised over $5 million to build a cottage that has the capacity to care for eight patients, offering peace and support to families when they need it most. Now, physician and hospital referrals are steadily growing as more of the medical community recognizes the value of this facility.” 

Vic adds, “The care I’ve witnessed for patients—my own mother included—is second to none. Our staff truly sets the gold standard for hospice care, both in-patient and at home.” 

One common thread you’ll hear echoed by Vic, Lindsay, Larry, and anyone who comes to truly know what happens at FOC, is this often-overlooked aspect of hospice care: “Hospice,” in Lindsay’s words, “is about more than comfort at the end of life. It is also about emotional and spiritual support and about helping families find peace during a very difficult time. Common questions we hear are: ‘When should hospice begin?’ or ‘Does choosing hospice mean giving up?’ These are important conversations, and part of our role is to help families see hospice as an added layer of care and support, not an ending of hope.”    

The Callawassie Connection & How Residents Can Support FOC 

Volunteers are the backbone of Friends of Caroline. From hands-on support at the Cottage to advocacy and community engagement, there are countless ways to get involved.  

Also, what sets FOC apart along with being the only local inpatient hospice facility is its non-profit IRS designation. This means all revenue produced by the facility remains at home. FOC prides itself on being mission focused and never turning away a patient based on the ability to pay for care. Philanthropic giving to FOC supports this critical mission to care for all patients referred for hospice care.     

“Friends of Caroline is accredited by The Joint Commission,” Larry notes, “the gold standard for healthcare organizations. Every surplus dollar we have goes directly back into patient care, expanding facilities, and strengthening services. When people realize the difference hospice made for their loved ones, they don’t hesitate to support us—sometimes with tears, sometimes with a generous check, always with gratitude.” 

Vic emphasizes that the non-profit mission ensures the absolute best care possible for anyone, regardless of ability to pay, and encourages those interested to connect with current volunteers. “I see Callawassie Island as being a close neighbor of FOC and an integral part of the mission,” he says. “As a non-profit, we depend heavily on volunteers, so I challenge anyone that has an interest to reach out and get involved. Talk to one of the many Callawassie Island FOC volunteers and ask about their experiences to see firsthand the impact of their contributions. 

A Legacy of Compassion 

“The partnership with the Callawassie Island community is incredibly meaningful,” Lindsay adds. “The character of this community—neighbors supporting neighbors, a deep sense of care and responsibility—mirrors the mission of Friends of Caroline. Together, we can create a legacy of compassion and accessibility, ensuring that families in our region always have a place to turn for hospice and palliative care. The generosity and involvement of Callawassie Island members truly sustain this work and extend our reach.” 

With Callawassie Island residents playing an active role, Friends of Caroline is poised to meet the evolving needs of its region, delivering compassionate, dignified care for years to come. FOC continues to make a profound difference in the lives of patients and families, thanks in such large part to the generosity and engagement of volunteering residents. It’s in the island’s nature, as members take pride in being a community where care, connection, and service are at the heart of all things Callawassie Island.  

How Callawassie Residents Can Help 

• Continue to support Friends of Callawassie (FOCI)
• Volunteer at Caroline’s Cottage
• Support fundraising and community events
• Advocate for hospice awareness in the region
   

fochospice.org 
329 Friends Lane, Ridgeland, SC 29936 
(843) 525-6257 
[email protected]