Live Oak Bank Grant Supports Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Hospice Nurses, Addresses Growing Care Shortage in North Carolina
Rhea-AI Summary
Live Oak Bank (NYSE:LOB) highlighted a $300,000 grant awarded in 2024 to the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Scholars program, which trains hospice and palliative care nurses in southeastern North Carolina.
The program (launched 2021) reports 9 graduates, a 78% retention rate, and more than 1,000 patient visits per nurse annually, supporting workforce stability and expanded patient access.
Positive
- $300,000 grant awarded in 2024
- Nine nurses graduated from the program
- Retention rate of 78% at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare
- >1,000 patient visits per nurse annually
Negative
- None.
News Market Reaction – LOB
In the Mar 31 session, LOB gained 2.48%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | 24h Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 21 | Q4 2025 earnings | Positive | +4.5% | Strong 2025 earnings, double-digit revenue growth and robust loan production. |
| Jan 07 | Earnings date set | Neutral | +5.1% | Announced timing and access details for upcoming Q4 2025 results call. |
| Dec 01 | New CRO appointment | Positive | -1.1% | Appointed seasoned Chief Risk Officer after passing $10B asset threshold. |
| Oct 22 | Q3 2025 earnings | Positive | -3.3% | Reported higher net income, asset growth and capital raise plus Apiture sale gain. |
| Oct 08 | Earnings date set | Neutral | +0.1% | Scheduled Q3 2025 results release and conference call logistics for investors. |
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Earnings and related announcements have often seen modestly positive reactions, while other corporate news has produced smaller or mixed moves.
Over the past six months, LOB has focused on growth and governance. Fourth quarter 2025 results showed $102.8M in 2025 net income and $577.8M in revenue on strong loan production of $6.21B and deposit growth of $1.93B. Earlier, 3Q25 results highlighted asset growth to $14.67B. Governance was reinforced with a new Chief Risk Officer after surpassing the $10B asset threshold. Today’s philanthropy-focused announcement fits a broader theme of regional engagement around this expanding franchise.
Key Terms
palliative care medical
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Key Points
- Live Oak Bank is highlighting how a
$300,000 grant awarded in 2024 has supported the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Scholars program, which trains and retains hospice and palliative care nurses in southeastern North Carolina. - The program has achieved strong outcomes, including high retention, expanded patient access, and a growing pipeline of specialized nursing talent.
WILMINGTON, N.C., March 31, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Live Oak Bank is highlighting the impact of a
LifeCare Scholars offers a six-month residency to new graduate nurses, blending classroom learning, mentorship, and hands-on clinical experience to help registered nurses transition into hospice and palliative care at no cost to participants.
Proven Impact and Measurable Outcomes
Launched in 2021, the program’s continuity was secured by a 2024 grant from Live Oak. The initiative has already delivered meaningful, measurable results, including:
- Nine nurses graduated from the LifeCare Scholars program
- A
78% retention rate at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare - More than 1,000 patient visits per nurse annually, expanding access to hospice and palliative care
These outcomes help stabilize the local healthcare workforce while improving access to specialized care for patients and families.
Live Oak Bank’s Commitment to Workforce Development
“At Live Oak, we champion workforce programs that strengthen our local talent pipeline," said Kate Groat, head of corporate philanthropy at Live Oak Bank. "LifeCare Scholars is doing exactly that: training skilled nurses and expanding access to quality care where it's needed most.”
Live Oak’s support of LifeCare Scholars is part of its broader workforce development commitment. The bank’s philanthropic approach is focused on initiatives that help individuals build meaningful careers with family-sustaining wages, benefits, and upward mobility, while bolstering essential services across the region.
Strengthening Regional Care for the Future
“This partnership with Live Oak is an investment in the people who care for our community. By supporting and preparing the next generation of nurses, we are helping ensure patients and families continue to receive compassionate, high-quality care when they need it most," said Gwen Whitley, president and CEO of Lower Cape Fear LifeCare.
About Live Oak Bank
Live Oak Bank, a subsidiary of Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE: LOB), is a digitally focused, FDIC-insured bank serving customers across the country. Live Oak brings efficiency and excellence to the banking process, without branches, by using a focused approach to technology and innovation. To learn more, visit liveoak.bank.
About Lower Cape Fear LifeCare
Lower Cape Fear LifeCare is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality hospice, palliative, and memory care services to patients in southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina. For more than 45 years, the organization has served as a trusted community resource, helping individuals and families navigate life-limiting illnesses with comfort and dignity. Rooted in compassion, excellence, and comprehensive support, we remain committed to making a meaningful difference for every patient, family, and community we touch. Learn more at LifeCare.org.
Contact:
Madison Carlos
Live Oak Bank, Corporate Communications
910.386.6616
madison.carlos@liveoak.bank
