Stories of Hope

July 2025

Helping a West Louisville Neighbor Recover from a House Fire

When fire tore through the West Louisville home she's lived in for thirty years, Bobbie Taylor lost everything including her power wheelchair. After months of battling with insurance, Bobbie found SOS and regained her independence.

At 1:00 a.m. on February 23, the fire alarm woke Bobbie Taylor from a deep sleep. Her first thought was to quickly get her grandchildren and her cousin who is deaf out of the house to safety. Limping due to crippling arthritis, Bobbie ushered everyone out just before flames engulfed the first floor. She saved her family, but she lost her power wheelchair.

Overwhelmed with relief that everyone survived, Bobbie didn’t realize that her ordeal was far from over and that she would spend the next six months battling unsuccessfully with insurance for a replacement wheelchair. “I have been using a broken walker, making it almost impossible to get around in the house,” said Bobbie. A case manager connected her to local health manager Brian Jointer and, again her life changed in an instant– this time for the better. Brian was able to provide her with a new power chair the next day. “This is more than a relief. It is a true blessing,” said Bobbie. “Now I can move around the house without falling. Thanks to SOS, I am getting a new start.”

SCENES OF HOPE FROM THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

A study abroad mission trip by a Bellarmine team of nursing students and instructors brought life-changing medical care to hundreds in need.

Bellarmine nursing students witnessed firsthand the tremendous impact a few caring people and one suitcase of supplies can achieve during a mission trip to the DR last month. Under the direction of faculty leaders Dr. Leslie Leffler and Dr. Carol Smith and clinical instructor Brennon Quick, the students served 260 patients in the medically-underserved communities of Los Cocos, Los Guineos and Altos de Rafey– performing pediatric health assessments, educating on wellness strategies including dental care and providing a wide range of much-needed healthcare services for patients young and old. The students also took some time to paint houses and organize a field day for the local children. “We served medical needs and immersed ourselves in the vibrant culture and community of Santiago,” said Dr. Leffler. “Thank you to SOS for the help and guidance that led to such a successful trip.”

Help support healthcare for our world's children!

CELEBRATING A VERY SPECIAL GRADUATION

Last month, SOS opened its doors to the largest class of nursing assistants to graduate from SOS-supported Hands2Hearts Nursing Assistant School.

Saturday, June 7, was a milestone for Myra Wiley, the nurse/founder of Hands2Hearts, a state registered nursing assistant school that opened last August in South Louisville. “This was the graduation of our largest class to date,” said Wiley. “It is a full circle moment to be standing here at SOS with a class of students who will be going directly into healthcare jobs. I could not have opened my doors without supplies and equipment from SOS and guidance and support from Denise Sears.”

Wiley’s dream of opening a school to educate compassionate caregivers was inspired by personal experience. “My father was a paraplegic and I know how hard it is to find caring, competent help,” she said. “I want to inspire and educate people who have passion for this work and empathy for their patients.” The students– all from South Louisville– ranged in age from 23 to 62 and included single mothers and seniors who are excited to be starting new careers in healthcare. “I did this for my children and myself,” says Aeshia Booker, a mother of six in her late forties. “I already have a good job lined up and I can’t wait to start this new career. I hope to set the right example and show them what they can achieve if they believe in themselves.”

Help support students in healthcare training programs!

CHEERS FOR OUR VOLUNTEERS!

Over the past few weeks, we welcomed interns from Baird and youth groups from Youth Works.

Baird

Youth Works

If you're looking for a group outing that builds camaraderie and contributes to the greater good, come to SOS and find out why over 2,000 volunteers choose to dedicate their time to our mission.

Volunteer shifts can be scheduled Monday through Thursday, 9-11:30 am or 1-3:30 pm or on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 9-12:00 by emailing Sarah.Mayer@soshealthandhope.org or using the button below.

We would love to have you!

Volunteer with us!

SAVE THE DATE

SOS BREWS & BANDAIDS

WHEN: Thursday, August 14, 5:30-7:30 pm

WHERE: SOS HEADQUARTERS

Let's close out the summer with a relaxing evening of local beer tastings and local supply sorting.

Enjoy local brews along with wine, non-alcoholic offerings and light bites as we catch up with longtime SOS friends and make some new ones. This is the perfect gathering for first-timers or anyone who has attended an event and wants to take a closer look. So mark your calendars and call your friends! We would love to see you there.

RSVP here!

BEFORE YOU GO....

Did you know that SOS has a monthly giving option?

Our monthly givers keep our mission moving, day after day, so we can answer the calls for help-- whenever they come. One dollar covers the cost of delivering a pound of life-changing supplies. Please consider joining this community who help keep health and hope alive for so many!

Keep our mission moving! Be a monthly giver!