Our History
Founded in Madison County, Alabama, in 1998, Friends Inc. began with a vision from hospice nurse Laura Binger and Dale Griggs. They saw firsthand the need for support services for seriously ill and disabled patients in our community.
What started with a single community donation, few small grants and a founding Board of six friends, has blossomed into over 90 dedicated volunteers, now serving approximately 100 patients and providing over 3,000 support services.
1999:
Friends, Inc. operated from a small office within Hospice Family Care.
2004:
Guests at the first Autumn Evening
New Executive Director Jan Brewer launched the Autumn Evening fundraiser. After spotting a new rooftop apartment on the Terry Hutchens Building in a local magazine, she approached the homeowner about hosting a fundraiser there.
The Board gathered items for the first silent auction, and the proceeds from this event supported Friends, Inc. for the immediate future while establishing what would become an annual tradition.
Friends first website presence, featuring hospital gowns made by volunteers and sold at McAbee Medical to raise funds for the organization.
Friends, Inc. also provided the gowns for the Crestwood Breast Center.
Gown Made By Volunteer
Gown Made By Volunteer
2010:
Friends, Inc. joins Facebook
2011:
Friends, Inc. purchased a 2011 Ford Transit Connect van to provide transportation for wheelchair patients to medical appointments. 
2013:
Additional van, 2013 Ford Transit Connect, purchased expanding number of patients with access to wheelchair transportation.
2014:
In honor of founder Laura Binger, Friends, Inc. donated a commemorative swing to her church family at Monte Sano Methodist to help complete their new playground.
Jan had the privilege of showing Laura a photo of the swing and the plaque. As Jan was leaving, she said, "Laura, I don't want to say goodbye, I would rather say, 'see you later, Laura'". And Laura replied with a smile on her face, "Only if you're good and don't mess up, so Jan, be good". And they both laughed. Laura's smile and those words were the greatest gift of all!
2016:
Friends, Inc. moved to new location in United Way building.
2017:
No Show Gala started as a new fundraising event offering the opportunity to stay at home all while supporting a worthy cause.
2019:
HappyMail was introduced, where our caring volunteers send letters and greeting cards to remind patients they are remembered and loved.
2020:
Phone-A-Friend created, where volunteers call patients routinely to make sure they are doing well and hear a friendly voice that cares for them.
2023:
Purchased a new 2022 Chrysler Voyager equipped with an FR conversion kit. This van features a lowered floor for easier access, increased headroom, and secure tie-downs for two wheelchairs.
Volunteers can transport two patients at a time, opening doors to new experiences and fostering a greater sense of community.
2024:
Established two new programs:
- Commemorative Care Program where we walk alongside the families of those we have served, offering comfort, hope, and healing during their time of loss.
- Friends for Friends breakfast, where we provide an outlet for joy outside patient’s routine medical appointments
Our history is built on the extraordinary commitment of our volunteers. Since our founding, these compassionate individuals have been the heart and soul of our organization, standing alongside seriously ill and disabled patients in Madison County. Their every act of kindness—from a friendly visit to a helping hand—represents genuine care in action.
