Bouquets of Hope, breathes new life into gently use floral bouquets by turning them into smaller arrangements that are then delivered to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and retirement communities in the Memphis area.
Catholic Charities of West Tennessee and Bishop Martin Holley, pictured in third photo, teamed up to bring joy and love to the elderly with bouquets of flowers that had been re-purposed from flowers from Bishop Martin Holley’s installation as Bishop of Memphis.
Bouquets of Hope also serves as a job training and employment opportunity for clients from Immigration Services and St. Sebastian Veterans Services. Volunteers have the opportunity to work with top floral designers in the Memphis area while also learning job skills that will last a lifetime.
A study done in 2001 by Rutgers University found that flowers helped to ease depression, improve social interaction, and enhance memory in those adults over the age of 55.
A volunteer delivering flowers to a nursing home tells one resident, “It’s called a bouquet of hope today and its to make you smile, and I’m not allowed to leave until you give me a smile.”
We love this video that shares the kindness and love that is spread by this ministry.
Bouquets of Hope is a volunteer-driven opportunity. You can find out more about this ministry and ways you could help by contacting Christine at [email protected] or (901) 722-4759.
Photos taken by Karen Pulfer Focht
