A Faith In Action Program
The 3rd Annual Tour de Flow is April 29, 2006 in San Marcos, Texas. This is a bicycle ride that provides financial support for FLOW. Sponsors are still needed to help us raise money. If you can help, or know someone who may be interested, please email Carole. If you want to ride, or need more information check out the Tour de FLOW webpage.
FLOW’s Mission: To enhance the lives, through volunteer caregiving, of our elders and people of all ages who have long term health problems.

FLOW is a young program in San Marcos and Hays County. Our expanding service area will include Comal, Guadalupe and Caldwell Counties.

FLOW volunteers fill in the gaps left by area programs and social services that are limited by time, financial constraints, or other program requirements. We work with established services in the area, refer clients who qualify to other existing services, and receive referrals from those services. FLOW strives to help our neighbors remain independent. No fees for services are charged to care recipients. Of course, donations are always welcome. Our start-up funding came from a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
FLOW volunteers are screened, trained, and then provided with a volunteer insurance. Careful consideration is made when matching volunteers to care recipients. We work with churches, health care providers, social service agencies and faith-based organizations to reach people who need a little help to maintain their independence and dignity. Volunteers are not allowed to proselytize.

Volunteers provide informal caregiving by assisting with simple, everyday tasks. Some of those tasks are:

  • Transportation
  • Bill paying & grocery shopping
  • Respite care
  • Friendly visiting
  • Telephone reassurance
  • Help with budgets, tax returns, and letter writing
  • Light housekeeping, chores, meal preparation, and lawn care Volunteers set their own hours and assignments are matched to their preferences. Print out a volunteer application in PDF Format or Word Format or please call our office to have one mailed to you.
    If you want happiness for an hour — take a nap.
    If you want happiness for a day — go fishing.
    If you want happiness for a month — get married.
    If you want happiness for a year — inherit a fortune.
    If you want happiness for a lifetime — help someone else.
    - Chinese proverb
    The following is a testimonial from one of our care recipients:
    I wish to express my gratitude to FLOW for being able to take me out of my apartment. I am wheelchair bound, have only one leg and am legally blind. On top of that I am 96 years old. Carole Thorp of FLOW is one of two people who is able to get my wheelchair into her car and give me a little freedom. I know that Carole works for FLOW but she is also my volunteer. She gets me out of my apartment and takes me to lunch, she takes me shopping, and she even comes to my home and helps me keep my kitchen clean. I would appreciate any support you can give to Carole and FLOW because they are all I’ve got!

    Contact Information

    Carole Womac Thorp, Executive Director
    FLOW - Friends Lend Others Wings
    215 W. San Antonio St., Suite 2108
    San Marcos, TX 78666
    Phone (512) 392-3569
    Fax (512) 392-5069
    email info@flowcares.org

    Board Members

    Stephanie Barnes
    Laura T. Mason
    Joanna Baugh
    Pam Gaba
    Debbie Johnson
    Martha H. Palmer

    Advisors

    Tom Heathman, Technical Advisor
    Chris Jones, Development Advisor
    Dr. Alberto Santos III, Medical Advisor

    Coalition Members

    St. Mark’s Episcopal Church - San Marcos, Texas
    Unity Church, San Marcos - Texas
    The Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area
    The Alamo Area Agency on Aging
    The RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) of South Central Texas
    The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit - Dripping Springs, Texas
    Dripping Springs United Methodist Church – Dripping Springs, Texas
    The Texas Workforce Center of Hays County – San Marcos, TX
    Updated 06 April 2006