St Matthews Magazine April 2026

Taste of

DARE TO CARE

TASTE OF DERBY FESTIVAL HELPS FEED FAMILIES IN NEED

HEATHER CREGGER MELISSA GIBSON GAVIN LAPAILLE GRACE SCHAEFER JULIE YATES PUBLISHER COREY BOSTON corey@townepost.com (502) 407-0185

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THIS IS HOME NOW

HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS SHARE STORIES OF RESILIENCE & RENEWAL IN LOCAL AUTHOR’S BOOK

Writer / Melissa Gibson

There are numerous documentaries, educational books and other tools to share the atrocities of the Holocaust of the 1940s. It’s known in Hebrew as Shoah, or “catastrophe,” and included the genocide of European Jews throughout World War II, a systematic murder of more than 6 million Jews, two-thirds of Europe’s Jewish population.

We’ve heard or seen images of ghettos, labor and extermination camps.

However, we don’t often hear about the survivors and their stories after World War II ended. Where did they go? What did they do?

Arwen Donahue was working for the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., in the late 1990s and when she and her husband decided to move to a rural Kentucky farm, she kept her job coordinating interviews with Holocaust survivors across the country.

The museum was interested in learning about their lives after the war; their experiences immigrating to the U.S., building their

communities and virtually rebuilding their lives.

“Once I moved to Kentucky, it was a natural thing for me to ask if there were any survivors here. I was curious to hear their stories,” Donahue says. “I wanted to continue collecting the oral history but with a different focus. This time, I was focused on a specific place.”

Most Jewish immigrants came to America through New York and remained there once they arrived. The community already established and the understanding survivors had for each other kept many in the Jewish community rooted to that environment. For those who ended up in Kentucky, however, one can only imagine the lack of Jewish community, language barriers, trauma responses and other challenges that came with a new environment — a new country.

With her connections to the museum, Donahue requested a list of Holocaust survivors living in Kentucky from its national registry.

She contacted 40 individuals and interviewed 14 of them to document their oral histories.

The reactions she received after reaching out varied.

“There were those who didn’t want to talk and those that felt compelled out of a sense of duty,” Donahue says. “A recurring theme I saw was talking about it and the repercussions. They were bringing back painful memories and many said it’ll bring back the nightmares; they won’t be able to sleep. It’s a real burden for a lot of survivors because it’s so painful.”

She interviewed one individual who later retracted permission to share the interview, in fear of being targeted in their community. Still, others expressed a deep faith in the United States, its people and their community.

“The word ‘survivor’ comes with a broad definition. You may not have been in a concentration camp but you survived by hiding or escaping Europe. As far as I’m concerned, anyone who had to live under the

Nazi regime is a survivor,” Donahue says. “So, to some extent, how easy it was to talk about it aligned with their personal experience.”

Donahue participated in an exhibit in 2005, sharing the oral histories she had compiled. One thing led to another and with the partnership of a professional photographer and interest from the University Press of Kentucky, a book was created and published in 2009.

“This Is Home Now: Kentucky’s Holocaust Survivors Speak” led to another host of inspiring opportunities and experiences. “I didn’t know this project would lead to its own process of community building, particularly between some of the survivors,” Donahue says. “We had a large event with a gathering of the

survivors and it was truly moving to see. Some of them became friends with each other. None of them had really ever met another survivor in Kentucky.”

Today, the only survivor in Kentucky she is aware of is 95-year-old John Rosenberg, a longtime civil and human rights activist. It’s a shining example of why Donahue says oral histories are so important. Their stories are quickly becoming faded or lost altogether.

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As time passed, Donahue says her role has evolved and shifted.

“For years after the book, people would get in touch with me to get in touch with a Holocaust survivor. I would often go with them to various events and speak to classrooms or at a museum,” Donahue says. “Today, there’s a group of educators who need materials to teach the Holocaust in the classroom and there’s a foundation that’s partnered with the University of Kentucky to provide teacher trainings and I participate in that.”

She says it’s always interesting and there’s always more information to capture.

“I think it’s so important. One of the best affirmations I’ve heard is talking to teachers who are bringing oral history to their classrooms and sharing them with the students. Teacher after teacher have said this material makes my students excited about learning history,” Donahue says. “It makes

the Holocaust feel real to them because they hear a story about Sylvia Greene living in Winchester, Kentucky, and they know where that is. These are our neighbors and it’s no longer abstract.”

Donahue has gone on to do other oral histories outside of Holocaust survivors. She used to think history was boring but has seen firsthand how hearing others’ stories can leave a lasting legacy.

“It’s in my DNA. I love listening to people’s stories and that’s really what history is; a collection of experiences and too often, we don’t think of it that way,” Donahue says. “These are our people.”

Today, Donahue is focused on creative writing and other artistic expressions.

She’s the author of a graphic memoir, “Landings: A Crooked Creek Farm Year,” and her comics, essays and graphic stories have been featured in numerous literary

publications.

“This Is Home Now” is still used in classrooms and available through Amazon or the University Press of Kentucky. For more of Donahue’s work, visit arwendonahue.com.

ON TOP ROOFING

Writer / Gavin LaPaille

On Top Roofing aims to guide homeowners in the complicated process of dealing with insurance companies. On Top Roofing is a one-stop solution for all roofing needs, providing a voice and needed resources to get every project completed at the highest standards possible.

“We classify ourselves as insurance specialists,” says salesman Bruce Scales. “We work with the homeowner to identify if they have any problems with their roof. Louisville gets its fair share of storm damage and we survey their roof and look for hail damage, wind damage or both. If they do, we recommend to the homeowner that they file a claim with their insurance company. We make sure they have damage before they make a claim so their rates won’t go up.”

On Top Roofing was started in 2023 by owner Derick Hihn and has quickly become a leader in the industry. They offer complimentary roof inspections to assess quality and structural integrity, identifying areas needed for repair or replacement. After the assessment, On Top Roofing provides a detailed report and any necessary actions to keep the roof in optimal condition. The team will also go back to the

insurance companies if they disagree with its assessments.

“We’ll negotiate on behalf of the owner,” Scales says. “We guide the owner throughout the process. They are elated that we come in and basically take over. We are very knowledgeable about roofing and what the issues are.”

On Top Roofing serves the entire Louisville and Southern Indiana area, and completes the repair or replacement projects on asphalt shingles & gutters. Project Manager Americo Imperatore says On Top Roofing’s customer service and attention to detail stand out from its competitors.

“We are there for the customer from start to finish from filing the claim until that roof is fully replaced,” Imperatore says. “However long that takes, we are with the customer and are available whenever we need to be. Our communication sets us apart.”

One new avenue for the On Top Roofing crew is Shingle Tomb, a separate company also owned by Hihn that was started to

provide long term marketing for contractors after jobs are completed. This durable, ecofriendly, storage box stores extra shingles plus the logo and contact information of the contractor that completed the job, ensuring clients remember who they worked with for years to come. Shingle Tomb has already become a popular way for roofers to resonate with homeowners.

“This box is a marketing piece for the roofing contractor,” Scales says. “Homeowners ask us to leave shingles behind sometimes in case they need to do a repair. Once the job is complete, we provide our logo and contact number and put a full bundle of shingles inside the box. We strategically work with the owner on where to place in the garage. It’s a tool for the roofing contractor that can continue marketing for 20 years. It’s worked out really well. We’ve taken it a step further and customize these boxes based on their needs. Not only do we have our standard box, we are customizing boxes for contractors. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

For more information on On Top Roofing, call 502-727-4484 or visit them online at ontoproofingky.com.

CONNECT

DARE TO CARE

TASTE OF DERBY FESTIVAL HELPS FEED FAMILIES IN NEED

Writer / Grace Schaefer

Each year at Slugger Field, more than 1,000 Kentuckiana neighbors gather for good community, great food and a wonderful charity. Planned in the lead-up to the Kentucky Derby, this special evening is the Taste of Derby Festival, and proceeds go to feeding families in the region through Dare to Care.

“[We host] at least 1,400 people, and they’re able to go through and taste from all these different restaurants, all different kinds of food, all different kinds of drinks; it’s a really fun night,” says Andrea Shepherd, Dare to Care’s senior director of philanthropic partnerships.

“[The Taste of Derby Festival has] been going on for more than three decades,” Shepherd says. “It’s had lots of different iterations, but now we just call it the best way to launch Derby season, and it is, I think, the most fun tasting event we have in Louisville. We just get great feedback that people really enjoy the food, they enjoy supporting the cause in this way, [and that] this is a beautiful way to connect.”

Hosted at Slugger Field, the Taste of Derby

Festival features restaurants and beverage companies offering tastings for visitors.

Last year saw the largest turnout, with 107 vendors, and Dare to Care hopes to beat that number this year. About 1,200 tickets are available — and they sell out quickly.

“We will have incredible eats, incredible drinks; we’ll have more lounge areas that Watson’s of Louisville makes possible, we’ll have some fun photo areas, we’ll have lots of different activities, and I can promise that people will leave with a full belly and smile, having had a great time and knowing they’ve supported a great cause,” Shepherd says.

Dare to Care is more than a local organization — it’s a team of neighbors working consistently to end a rising crisis in Kentuckiana.

“We are the food bank that serves the Kentuckiana area — eight counties in the Louisville region, Jefferson County region, and then five counties in Southern Indiana. We were formed after the death of a 9-yearold boy in 1969 on Thanksgiving Eve,” Shepherd says. “His name was Bobby Ellis;

he was 9 years old and weighed 30 pounds, and he died of malnutrition. That sparked a movement of the neighbors in this area coming together to make sure that never happens again.”

To do this work, Dare to Care partners with nonprofits; most nonprofits providing food to the community get most of those meals from this organization. Beyond that, Dare to Care also runs school pantries, prescription pantries, mobile pantries, cooking nutrition classes and Kids Cafes for hot meals after school.

“Food insecurity is everywhere,” Shepherd says. “It’s in every single ZIP code. No matter where you live, there’s food insecurity there. If you’ve got kids in school, check with the school and the resource officer there, and see what needs they might have, and encourage a food drive in the school, make a donation, or encourage others to donate. There are so many ways that people can make a big difference with just small steps.”

The need for Dare to Care is growing in the community. Shepherd notes that “the

food insecurity rate increased 48% over two years. We are seeing a growing need among our neighbors.”

Currently, the organization provides about 22 million meals yearly.

“We are here with a goal of making sure that everyone is nourished — because nobody should go without food,” she says.

The situation is painful, but it has also revealed just how willing the Kentuckiana community is to support its own.

“It’s just so lovely to see the community come together and have such positive attitudes and enjoy a night together and make a difference for this community. This event makes hundreds of thousands of

meals possible for kids and families, and so it’s important for us as an organization to make meals possible, because they need it now more than ever. At the same time, it’s such a lovely way for people to learn about Dare to Care, and hopefully stay connected with us,” Shepherd says.

At the end of the festival, Dare to Care, in partnership with Feed Louisville, takes that food back, makes it servable and shares it with the community. Even in the midst of

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fundraising, the organization’s most basic cause is not forgotten.

“There are hungry people in our neighborhoods, and we need to show them love and support them, because no one should go hungry,” Shepherd says.

Even those who cannot attend the Taste of Derby Festival this year can still make an impact. Shepherd encourages community members to look at which restaurants participate and then support them.

“Eat at those restaurants, buy those

products and thank them for being supporters ... because these vendors are all donating everything. It’s pretty incredible,” Shepherd says.

Dare to Care also accepts volunteers — both generally and for the evening of the festival.

Ultimately, the Taste of Derby Festival is both an act of service and a way to get more connected with the Kentuckiana community.

“Dare to Care exists because this community cares that nobody goes hungry, and this event is a really critical fundraiser for Dare to Care, so I would encourage people to find a way to make a difference in this community when it comes to food insecurity. Know that we always have an open door with our events, with volunteering, with food and fund drives, and with getting involved. It takes all of us, and we can all do something to make a difference for our neighbors,” Shepherd says.

A TASTE OF KENTUCKY

BELOVED GIFT SHOP BLENDS TRADITION & MODERN GROWTH

Writer / Gavin LaPaille

Karen Taylor always loved visiting A Taste of Kentucky and seeing all the beautiful products. That passion ran so strong, she and her husband, Rob, decided to purchase the store known for connecting its customers to the heart and soul of Kentucky. The Taylors bought A Taste of Kentucky from John and Sherry Hassman in 2023, with Karen now managing day-to-day operations.

“We knew the previous owners and I felt like we could do it,” Karen says. “I had worked for a company that kind of had the same structure. I’ve always loved the store. It has beautiful products and has always been great. They wanted someone who would take it and move it forward. It felt right, so we bought it.”

With more than 40 years of history, A Taste of Kentucky has built a reputation for sharing the best its home state has to offer. From handcrafted treasures made by local artisans to gourmet foods that capture the essence of Southern hospitality, each item in stock is carefully chosen to reflect the spirit of the community.

Products fall into a variety of categories and themes, including all things bourbon, home decor, gift baskets, Kentucky Derby, food, souvenirs, apparel and books. Since the Taylors have taken over, they have strived to give A Taste of Kentucky a more modern look without disrupting what it does best.

“I never wanted to change the core of who

we are, but wanted to give it a little bit of a cleaner look, more like a boutique,” Karen says. “We have expanded the offerings. In addition to our local and online customers, we have a lot of companies across the United States that contact us for high-end corporate gifts. Featuring items with price points that meet everyone’s needs is really important to us.”

The physical store location is at 11800 Shelbyville Road in the heart of Middletown. Visitors come from all over the country, shopping for items to take back home, and Karen says locals also frequently stop in before traveling abroad to pick up special gifts so they can share “A Taste of Kentucky”.

“To my knowledge, the store has been in this location at least 30+ years,” Karen says. “It’s a fixture here in Middletown. When they walk in, they talk about how beautiful the store is. We hear that a lot. You can find something for everyone here, at any price point.

A Taste of Kentucky also has a thriving e-commerce business. While there is a lot of overlap with the items physically sold in the store, Karen says the website stands out on its own with a unique marketing strategy.

“On the website, you never know what someone is going to buy,” Karen says. “Our strategy has really grown. We do weekly and biweekly email blasts. We advertise and do a lot with Google. We’re strategizing our marketing dollars. Almost every product that leaves here has our tag on it that says A Taste of Kentucky. When we ship something out, we put a card inside with a thank you that has our information on it. If someone

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sends a gift, when the recipient gets it they know exactly where it came from. That has increased our e-commerce presence.”

The store works with many local and national companies that often want gift baskets or other items. A Taste of Kentucky coordinates with these groups to fit individual needs, including many requests during the holiday season and around the Kentucky Derby. These baskets are also popular for special events, such as weddings and other celebrations.

“Local and national companies will call and say they want to send gifts to their employees or partners,” Karen says. “Our gift baskets are a large part of who we are for Derby and Christmas. People will send gift baskets to friends and family. Businesses will send them to clients and suppliers. We work with places in all industries. It’s what really made A Taste of Kentucky grow over the years. That and our focus on customer service.”

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While it’s helpful to have multiple avenues of revenue, Karen says it’s important for all phases of the business to be thriving for A Taste of Kentucky to continue having success.

“I didn’t realize how multidimensional the company is,” Karen says. “Each revenue segment is different but kind of the same. They each make up a third of the business and they’re all growing. All things have to be going the same direction to make it work. You can have the best product in the world, but if it accidently gets tagged with the wrong price, it’ll never move.”

No matter how a customer interacts with A Taste of Kentucky, Karen stresses customer service at every opportunity.

“They have always gone over and above with customer service and we have continued that,” Karen says. “We love happy customers, building personal connections and relationships. When we

build that connection, they remember and will become a returning customer. Building that repeat business is big. Making a customer happy is our priority. We are so centric on customer service that it is second nature. If you take care of the customer, they will take care of you.”

While the store is at its busiest near Christmas and Derby, Karen’s goal is to keep the store relevant all year long with additional product offerings and customer service.

“We have grown the business in the months between,” Karen says. “The peaks are still the peaks. That’s the goal, to be self-sustaining all months and have two nice peaks. You are constantly looking for new products and new ideas for what is out there and what people are looking for. You have to listen to what people want. We never carried a lot of jewelry previously, but we had a lot of people ask for it. Little by little we started bringing more in, and it

sold like crazy.”

Karen loves what she does at A Taste of Kentucky and hopes to continue giving that joy to all of her customers.

“The company is great,” Karen says. “We have great products and wonderful customers. We have a great staff of people who have been here for many years. We have a solid employee base that cares and loves it. It’s hard to work here and not love what we do. We are so grateful for our customers, our employees and our community.”

A Taste of Kentucky is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information on how to place an order, check out the website at atasteofkentucky. com or call (502) 244-3355.

BEYOND THE SECRET

ZOOM GROUP EMPOWERS INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO THRIVE THROUGH INCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITIES

Writer / Grace Schaefer

Kentucky has a well-kept secret — and it’s called Zoom Group.

For 40 years now, Zoom Group has served members of the community with intellectual or developmental disabilities, allowing them to grow their careers while engaging with their passions, too.

“Zoom Group is a health and human services organization that provides support and services. We’ve been in existence since 1986, so we are embarking on our 40th year,” says Melissa Marvel, president and CEO of the nonprofit. “We provide a wide array of services from behavioral support to housing, to transportation, to employment, to transitional programs that work with students and families in school to help them transition not only into careers, [but] try to provide a wraparound service to help them be successful. Our mission is to assist them, to help them explore, create and realize their journey, because every individual is different.”

Originally started by parents of children graduating high school, and partnering with the local Council on Developmental Disabilities, Louisville Diversified Services was established. In 2013, the organization became Zoom Group. Since its inception, it has partnered with the federal government, as well as large logistics companies such as UPS, and has provided vocational training. Now, the group has expanded to include a host of programs: a life skills program (LifeWorkZ); a transportation service (RideWorkZ); a Level 2 family home provider service (LifeStyleZ); and a Positive Behavior Support service to provide behavioral therapy (SupportWorkZ).

They even host StudioWorkZ, “our flagship art program. Individuals with disabilities who want to learn a variety of mediums in art are in that program; we have an art gallery, so their work is available in our gallery that’s open daily, Monday through Friday, for sale. It’s basically selfemployment for the artist.”

While located in Louisville, many of Zoom Group’s services range statewide and are incorporating online programming and satellite partners so that families who cannot come to one of the two Louisville campuses can still have access.

“If there are families that are interested in our services in their area, I would encourage them to reach out to us,” Marvel says.

Even those who do not use Zoom Group’s collection of services can still be involved.

“We would love volunteers to help us with our nonprofit fundraising events, to help us out with job fairs. We have volunteer days where we’ll have groups and individuals come in. We’ll have artists come in and teach classes to our artists in our programming,” Marvel says.

The group also looks for business partners to expand vocational training and partnership opportunities, including

hosting field trips so that participants can learn more about career options.

“We also do offer community workforce training,” Marvel adds. “Oftentimes, you have a person with a disability going into a workplace, and people there have never

be impactful,” Marvel says. “This 40th anniversary, it is my hope that we’ll no longer be a well-kept secret, [but] that we’ll be a known, successful entity. Because 40 years of success in this environment — we should be very proud. I would like to not be such a secret.”

As it is, Zoom Group already has around 500 individual program enrollments and an active waiting list. As they prepare for another decade of service, they look ahead to more growth and more one-on-one connection. One of the biggest changes will be serving children from a younger age.

“Typically before, it was 18 and above,” she says. “Post-pandemic, we started working with students and families at age 14, and now we’re going to go to as soon as the child’s been diagnosed. My passion is [to change] the dynamics for those in the future so that they readily know what those resources are, that we meet those families

when their children are younger, because it’s no different than preschool for children — the more you can get them started on a good, strong foundation when they’re young, the more likely they’re going to have greater success as they get older. And it’s no different for any child, regardless of their abilities.”

Ultimately, supporting Zoom Group is all about supporting the reach and accessibility of its services.

“I’m so passionate about making sure that families [with] a child that has the need for these resources have the ability to reach out to an organization that will help support them, providing those resources and making them feel like they’re not walking alone,” Marvel says. “Everybody’s disability is different. That’s really what I find Zoom Group trying to be — you walk into our array of services, and you feel supported in many different ways and feel successful, and

obtain the goals that you desire, to the best of your ability.

“At the end of the day, we are all human. And we all need to be included and respected and appreciated for who we are.”

Ultimately, Zoom Group is more than a collection of services; it’s a bridge to bring the Kentucky community together in ways we never have before. The Zoom Group family has been thriving for 40 years, and they only plan to continue. And no matter the background or ability, Kentuckians are a part of that family — and that journey — too.

For more information about Zoom Group, including a list of all available programs, enrollment and ways to get involved, please visit zoomgroup.org.

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RANGES & COOKTOPS

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER MONTH

WHAT GIVING BACK REALLY LOOKS LIKE IN LOUISVILLE

Writer / Heather Cregger

Every day, while most of us are going about our business — meeting deadlines, tidying our homes, chasing children, enjoying time with friends — boxes are being filled. Canned goods are stacked, floors are swept and modest but honest work is being done.

For one Louisville resident of more than 50 years, Sue Shewmaker, these small, steady tasks have been part of her routine for decades. From packing food at a local pantry to helping residents gather for weekly activities at an adult care home, volunteering has followed her through different seasons of life — from her teenage years to raising a family and now into retirement.

April is National Volunteer Month, a time set aside to recognize the many ways people

give back to their communities. Across Louisville, volunteers show up in quiet, practical ways every day — often without fanfare — helping neighbors meet basic needs, feel included and stay connected. Their stories offer a clearer picture of what volunteering really looks like and how accessible it can be.

A LIFE SHAPED BY SHOWING UP

As a teenager, Sue first began volunteering with her local children’s choir. Noticing the sense of joy and purpose she felt in giving back, she continued to serve throughout her life. Volunteering later became a way to bond with her daughter, adding depth to her parenting by teaching the satisfaction that comes from helping others.

As life moved forward and retirement came, Sue continued to find meaning through volunteering at a local food pantry and an adult care facility. She describes volunteering at Louisville East as “part of my DNA.” Her involvement there began when a friend’s brother became a resident but was too shy to participate in activities. Sue made him a simple deal: She would come once a week and go with him to try something new.

Over time, she watched him blossom. And even after his passing, she continued to show up each week — now helping other residents feel included and supported in their daily lives.

WHAT VOLUNTEERING ACTUALLY LOOKS LIKE

Many of us talk about wanting to volunteer. We say things like, “I would like to volunteer,” or “I should take my kids to volunteer.” But busy schedules can make it feel daunting to add one more commitment. So what does volunteering actually look like?

At the food pantry, Sue commits about an hour and a half one day a week. Boxes are packed for morning distribution, with everyone assigned a specific task. Once packing is finished, the area is cleaned and left ready for the next shift. It’s structured, efficient and manageable.

many discover an unexpected return. Joy, fulfillment, usefulness and purpose are often part of the experience.

Sue says what surprised her most was “how happy it makes me feel,” adding that she receives as much — if not more — than she gives. Over time, relationships form naturally and small moments of connection become something to look forward to each week.

HOW SMALL EFFORTS HELP OTHERS

Volunteering supports not only the people being served but also those working alongside volunteers. At the food pantry, volunteers work side by side to ensure a smooth flow from station to station. In adult care settings, volunteers assist staff by helping residents gather for activities and return to their rooms afterward.

Once a week, Sue also spends time at an adult care facility, helping two or three residents play bingo. This is the type of interaction many people can expect when volunteering in an adult or senior care setting — simple, relational and centered on inclusion.

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While Sue chooses to volunteer weekly, she notes that there is flexibility if another commitment arises. She has even brought teens with her at times to help, showing that volunteering can span generations and life stages.

THE UNEXPECTED RETURN

Most people don’t begin volunteering asking what they’ll get out of it. Yet

In areas like health care, where staffing is often stretched thin, this kind of consistent support is welcomed. Reliable volunteer help allows daily operations to run more smoothly and gives staff the ability to focus attention where it’s most needed.

“I DON’T HAVE TIME” — LOWERING THE BARRIER

One of the biggest barriers to volunteering is the belief that it requires a major life commitment. While Sue chooses to show up every week, many organizations are grateful for whatever time people are able to offer.

Thirty minutes matters. Flexibility exists. Volunteering doesn’t have to be permanent or perfect — it can begin with a one-time event or a short commitment. Often, it starts simply by reaching out and asking what help is needed.

Volunteering can be meaningful at every stage of life. For Sue, retirement has brought

the opportunity to stay active and focused on others rather than turning inward. For those experiencing loneliness or a lack of purpose, volunteering can offer connection, routine and a sense of belonging.

DIFFERENT WAYS TO VOLUNTEER IN LOUISVILLE

Volunteering doesn’t look the same for everyone. Across Louisville, there are many ways to get involved that fit different schedules, personalities and seasons of life. Knowing what kinds of places to look for can make getting started feel far less overwhelming.

SHORT, STRUCTURED COMMITMENTS

For those who prefer clarity and defined roles, many volunteer opportunities are built around short, predictable shifts. These roles are often found at food pantries, community ministries, donation centers and distribution hubs, where volunteers help pack food boxes, sort donated items, assemble care kits or

prepare spaces for daily operations. Shifts are commonly one to two hours long and have a clear beginning and end.

RELATIONAL VOLUNTEERING

Some opportunities focus less on tasks and more on presence. These roles are commonly available at adult care homes, senior living facilities, assisted living centers and memory care units, where volunteers help residents participate in group activities such as games, crafts or music programs, or simply spend time in conversation. In these settings, consistency often matters more than the length of each visit.

ONE-TIME OR SEASONAL OPPORTUNITIES

For those with limited availability, onetime or seasonal roles can be a meaningful way to help. These opportunities are often coordinated through neighborhood associations, parks departments, community centers or local nonprofits

hosting cleanups, beautification projects, food drives or special events. These roles allow people to contribute without an ongoing commitment.

FAMILY- OR TEEN-FRIENDLY VOLUNTEERING

Many volunteer opportunities are appropriate for families or teens when supervision and structure are in place. These roles are often found through food pantries, community outreach programs, faith-based organizations and youth-serving nonprofits and may include packing meals, organizing donations or assisting with group service projects. These opportunities allow families to volunteer together while keeping expectations realistic and age-appropriate.

SKILL-BASED OR BEHINDTHE-SCENES SUPPORT

Not all volunteering happens face to face. Many organizations rely on behind-the-

scenes help to function well. These roles are often available at nonprofit offices, community organizations and service agencies and can include administrative support, organizing supplies, data entry, event setup and cleanup or basic communications assistance. These quieter roles are often flexible and just as essential as more visible forms of service.

EXPLORING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS LOUISVILLE

For those ready to explore volunteer opportunities more broadly, citywide volunteer portals make it easier to search by interest, location and time commitment. These platforms connect volunteers with organizations throughout Louisville, including Jeffersontown, Middletown and St. Matthews.

METRO UNITED WAY VOLUNTEER CONNECTION volunteer.metrounitedway.org

JUSTSERVE justserve.org

VOLUNTEERMATCH idealist.org/en/volunteer

After years of volunteering, what stays with Sue isn’t any single moment, but the simple signs that things went well — boxes filled, a space left tidy, a resident who had a good time.

She’s quick to point out that volunteering doesn’t require endless free time or special skills. Sometimes it starts with a phone call. Sometimes it’s just 30 minutes. What matters is showing up.

“Helping your neighbor is a good thing,” she says. And across Louisville, that belief continues to take shape in food pantries, senior homes, community centers and countless other places where small acts of service quietly make a difference.

AROUND THE COMMUNITY,

LOUISVILLE AREA EVENTS

6

BOB DYLAN: ROUGH AND ROWDY WAYS TOUR

Louisville Palace, 625 S. 4th Street.

8 p.m.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. This event will be a phonefree experience. Use of phones or recording devices will not be permitted in the performance space.

7

THE PARKLANDS WALKING CLUB (MOSS GIBBS WOODLAND GARDEN TRAIL)

Ogle Foundation Woodland Pavilion in Broad Run Park, 10801 Lasater Rd.

8:30 - 11 a.m.

This walking club will meet almost twice a month, for a morning and an evening session, to trek all over The Parklands, exploring different trails each time.

8

CERAMIC WORKSHOP: WALL HANGING PLANTER

Waterfront Botanical Gardens, 1435 Frankfort Ave.

6 - 8 p.m.

Wednesday, April 8· 6:00 to 8:00pm

Graeser Family Education Center

$65 | $52 WBG members

Create your own functional wall art!

10

SIXTEEN CANDLES: THE ULTIMATE 80’S TRIBUTE

Mercury Ballroom, 611 S 4th Street.

8 p.m.

The Mercury Ballroom is an all-ages, standing room venue, all tickets are General Admission unless otherwise stated. Doors open one hour prior to the event.

UNIVERSITY

OF LOUISVILLE BASEBALL VS STANFORD

Ky., Jim Patterson Stadium, 6 - 9 p.m.

University of Louisville Baseball vs Stanford TV: ACC Network

11

BRUCE HORNSBY AND THE NOISEMAKERS

Kentucky Center for the Arts, 501 W Main St.

8 p.m.

TREEFEST 2026

Thurman-Hutchins Park, 3227 River Rd.

11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

TreeFest is Louisville’s Arbor Day celebration, bringing the community together to explore the essential role trees play in our lives.

12

BEETHOVEN’S FIFTH W/ THE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA OF LOUISVILLE

St. Francis in the Fields, Harrods Creek, 6710 Wolf Pen Branch Road. 3 - 4:30 p.m.

An all-Beethoven program featuring the most famous four notes ever written.

JOHN LEGEND

Kentucky Center for the Arts, 501 W Main St. 8 p.m.

17

STEWART COPELAND: POLICE DERANGED

Kentucky Center for the Arts, 501 W Main St.

7:30 p.m.

Stewart Copeland’s Police Deranged for Orchestra is a high energy orchestral evening celebrating the work of legendary rock star and composer.

WORLD BALLET COMPANY: SWAN LAKE

Louisville Palace, 625 S. 4th Street.

7 p.m.

The World’s MOST Iconic Ballet - Live on Stage!

18-19

LOUISVILLE HOME SHOW

Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Lane.

10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The Home Show! It’s For Everything In And Around Your Home!

BLUEGRASS WORLD OF WHEELS CUSTOM CAR SHOW

Kentucky Expo Center, 937 Phillips Lane.

10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Saturday

10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday

Classic cars from all over the country will compete for the coveted Bluegrass Cup and the Bourbon Select trophies. There will be hundreds of cars, trucks, motorcycles, go-carts, and just about anything with wheels on display for the public to enjoy. Discount tickets available at O’Reilly Auto Parts.

18

THUNDER OVER LOUISVILLE

Waterfront Park, 129 River Road. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Thunder Over Louisville

To some, it’s the official kick-off to the Kentucky Derby Festival. To others, it’s the unofficial beginning of spring.

21

UNIVERSITY

OF LOUISVILLE BASEBALL VS KENTUCKY

Ky., Jim Patterson Stadium, 7 - 10 p.m.

University of Louisville Baseball vs Kentucky TV: ACC Network

24

ABRA CADABRA - CELEBRATING THE MUSIC & MAGIC OF ABBA

The Brown Theatre, 315 W Broadway. 7:30 p.m.

Welcome to Gustavo’s Mexican Grill—more than a dining venue, it’s a heartwarming community. Our unique edge? Personal touch. Often, you’ll find Gustavo himself welcoming you. At Gustavo’s, we’re a family-oriented environment where you’re not just a customer but a valued part of our extended family. Join us for an authentic, delicious and fun dining experience.

“I’m a family person and we want everyone to feel like they’re part of our family.”

—Gustavo Reyes

5 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU

COMPASSIONATE CARE

LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR PROVIDES LOVING HOMES FOR ELDERLY IN NEED

Writer / Julie Yates

The Little Sisters of the Poor provides the neediest elderly residents of Louisville a place to call home, regardless of race or religion. Their mission is to create a loving family environment for low-income individuals over the age of 65. As part of an international women’s Roman Catholic order, the Little Sisters of the Poor serve the elderly in 31 countries and have had a presence in Louisville for more than 100 years.

“Our founder is St. Jeanne Jugan who lived in Brittany, France, during the time right after the French Revolution. She was 47 years old when she realized her mission. She saw a poor, paralyzed, blind woman, took the woman to her home and put the woman in her own bed,” says Mother Mary Richard, Mother Superior.

From there, St. Jeanne Jugan’s work of providing needy elderly people with a home grew. She began to take in and house dozens of people who had no other resources. Little Sisters of the Poor communities began to expand across France and internationally. According to Mother Mary Richard, 40

years after providing the first woman with a home, 2,400 women had joined the Little Sisters of the Poor, and the congregation had homes in 10 countries.

The original location of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Louisville was on 10th Street. It opened in 1869 and was one of the first homes established in the United States. It had to be closed in 1977 due to an inability to meet safety codes, and the residents were moved to homes in other states. However, it was missed by the community, and a capital campaign enabled the present-day St. Joseph’s Home for the Aged to open at 15 Audubon Plaza Drive in 1991.

The home offers four levels of care. Day services are provided for needy elderly who live independently outside the home. Currently, there are 27 individuals residing in the home’s independent living apartments. Personal care is for residents of the home who desire minimal assistance, and nursing care is for those who need complete assistance with daily needs.

“On a typical day, residents get up when

they want to; we are person-centered,” Mother Richard says. There are physical, occupational and speech therapies plus activity programs. Daily Mass is at 11 a.m. Our main meal of the day is at noon, and residents can eat in the dining room or are served in their room. We have bingo three times a week and a porch to sit out on in nice weather. Supper is at 5:45 p.m. For some with dementia, dusk can be a difficult time, so we have games from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.”

“When a resident enters the home, what matters most is their need. They move from personal care to nursing as needed. The apartment people come over for meals and all events. They get to know the staff and residents so there is a smooth and less stressful transition when they move into the home. Sisters stay with a dying person and sit praying with them, no matter what religion they are. You can see the comfort on their face when God takes them home,” says Tina Contreras, development director.

If someone is interested in residing at St. Joseph’s Home for the Aged, they can call or

come in and set up a meeting with the social service director. After filling out primary paperwork, it is determined whether they qualify. If not, help is given to find another place for the individual to pursue. To fund the home, the sisters follow the tradition of begging, asking the community to support the elderly, initiated by St. Jeanne Jugan.

“Donations and grants meet 49% of operating costs. We have a begging sister who asks businesses for support. It is broken down; for instance, we have a business for supplying flour and another for supplying vegetables,” Mother Richard says.

Several fundraising events are held during the year. The money raised is directly applied to the cost of running the home. The annual Turtle Derby, held in the spring, is a festival that is extremely popular with the surrounding neighborhood and the residents. It features a chicken dinner, booths, crafts, games and turtle wheel races. Each year, Woodhaven Country Club hosts a golf scramble, which includes a silent auction plus dinner and cocktails. This fall, Rock’n & Roll’n with the Little Sisters, a fun night with music and barbecue, was held at Holy Family Catholic Church.

Volunteers are always needed and welcomed, especially young people. Before starting, individuals are interviewed by the sister in charge of volunteerism to see where their interests lie. Especially needed are drivers to take residents to appointments.

“I have been working here for 13 years, and I am so impressed with the Little Sisters of the Poor. They run the home, not laypeople. The Little Sisters live on the second floor, and each area and department is headed by

BELMONT VILLAGE — A LEADER IN MEMORY CARE PROGRAMMING

Belmont Village’s Circle of Friends Program was developed to slow the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of Dementia. This one of a kind, seven day a week program includes mental and physical activities focused on building cognitive reserve to maintain brain function.

If you think this program might benefit your loved one, don’t hesitate, contact Belmont Village St. Matthews today.

one of them. They are involved every day and assigned different jobs. They don’t retire from working until God calls them home. There is no ego, and their humility has taken my heart,” Contreras says.

“Just like St. Jeanne Jugan, we pray to St. Joseph that our residents are cared for. We can see how God blesses this work. I have such gratitude when I open the mail and see sacrificing people contribute big amounts or as small as a $5 bill. We will continue to take care of our brothers and sisters,” Mother Richard says.

Little Sisters of the Poor is located at 15 Audubon Plaza Drive, Louisville, Kentucky 40217. The phone number is 502-636-2300. For more information and to sign up for their e-newsletter, visit littlesistersofthepoorlouisville.org.

For information on upcoming events, follow them on Facebook at Friends of Little Sisters of the Poor in Louisville, Kentucky.

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