Hope from heartache:
For nearly two decades, the Harbor Foundation has been operating as a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals in hospice care, as well as the patients’ families. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization based in Beaumont, the foundation fills a critical role in supporting the community during life's most challenging times by addressing essential and extraordinary needs not covered by typical health care services.
But, as of last year, the foundation has expanded its mission of support for Southeast Texans in need. In 2024, the foundation’s efforts grew to include educational support, awarding $20,000 in scholarships to area seniors. As a result of donations and fundraising success, the Harbor Foundation reported that it will award 25 $1,000 scholarships to Southeast Texas seniors this year. This one-time $1,000 award is granted to graduating high school seniors who have lost a parent. Recognizing the financial challenges that accompany such a loss, the foundation aims to alleviate some of the burdens associated with pursuing higher education. Applications for this scholarship became available Feb. 1 and will be accepted until March 1. The scholarship is open to all high school seniors planning to attend college or trade school.
Additionally, in a stated effort to foster the advancement of hospice and palliative care, the foundation offers scholarships to nursing students passionate about entering this field. In supporting aspiring hospice nurses, this year, ten $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to future hospice nurses, as well as ten $1,000 scholarships to current college students in pursuit of a degree in social work with the intent to work with hospice patients.
Applications for the nursing and social work scholarships open May 1 and close June 1 each year.
“We are excited to be able to help students ease the financial burden of furthering their education, and we are truly thankful to our sponsors and supporters of our fundraising efforts that make this happen,” said Brenna Rodriguez, Vice President of Harbor Healthcare System and Executive Director of the Harbor Foundation.
The Harbor Foundation is supported through donations, as well as their biggest fundraiser of the year, the annual Butterfly Release. Now in its 13th year, the community celebration is slated for Saturday, Sept. 20, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Ford Park.
The annual Butterfly Release will include a day of family activities, food, crafts and kid-focused events, all completely free. The highlight of the day will be the butterfly release – a time-honored tribute to cherished memories of loved ones who have passed from this life.
“The release symbolizes the cycle of life and the beauty in every stage,” said Rodriguez.
Butterflies will be available for purchase for $10 in support of the Harbor Foundation’s continued support for the community.
The Harbor Foundation was established in 2006 following the creation of Harbor Healthcare by Southeast Texas internist Dr. Qamar Arfeen, board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, and Critical Care Medicine. Under Arfeen’s leadership, Harbor Healthcare has expanded to manage several rapidly growing hospices and health care organizations throughout Texas and Louisiana. For more information or to support the Harbor Foundation’s endeavors, call (409) 981-1888.
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