How it Started:
SHARE Foundation, a 501(c)3 public nonprofit, was created in February 1996 from the partnership between the Medical Center of South Arkansas (now called South Arkansas Regional Hospital) and Triad (now called Community Health Systems). After 13 years, SHARE Foundation became independent by selling its 50% interest in MCSA to CHS. Primarily an operating organization, SHARE Foundation's mission was to identify, develop, and foster programs and services that further the health and well-being of the people in our community and surrounding areas.
For over twenty-five years, SHARE Foundation has accomplished its mission through its various agencies and services such as Chaplaincy Services at MCSA, Life Touch Hospice, Palliative Care of South Arkansas, Violence Intervention Program and Grants, Scholarships for nurses, HealthWorks Fitness Center, Interfaith Clinic, and eXtreme Youth Programs.
Changes Over Time:
For various reasons in organization restructuring, redirection in long-term strategic planning, and changes in the economy, some programs and services have ended including the following:
- Palliative Care of South Arkansas closed due to an end in grant funding in 2022.
- Life Touch Thrift Store was closed after one year in 2022.
- The John R. Williamson Hospice House was closed in 2023 due to low utilization in inpatient hospice care (from long-term COVID-19 effects and changes in Medicare).
- Life Touch Hospice outpatient services were transferred to Arkansas Hospice, another nonprofit hospice provider that serves South Arkansas.
- Chaplaincy Services were transferred to the local hospital.
- Violence Intervention Program and the Union County Impact Plan ended in 2023.
- Grants (for local nonprofits) went through its last award cycle in 2023-2024.
SHARE Foundation is honored to have provided all of these services to the community for so many years.
Although some of these programs have ended at SHARE Foundation, some services continue to be provided in the community by others. Outpatient hospice care continues through the services of Arkansas Hospice. Inpatient hospice care may be provided through the local hospital. The previous "hospice house" is now being utilized as a substance use disorder treatment facility operated by NewHaven Recovery Lodge.
SHARE Foundation Now:
SHARE Foundation continues to provide and operate programs in the community with "service" as a focus.
Our new mission is to impact the health and well-being of our community.
Our agencies and programs:
Visit each agency page to learn more about their services and impact on the community.
- ACTIVE Coalition and eXtreme Youth Programs
- Father Bob Allen Charitable Clinic (previously Interfaith Clinic)
- HealthWorks Fitness Center
- SHARE Artwork Collection
- SHARE Scholarships
- South Arkansas Regional Hospital Foundation
