Hospice of Fayette County is continuing to look for support with an initiative to expand operations at their location on Oakland Avenue in Washington C.H.

In the mid 1970s, the concept of Hospice was introduced to the United States and within 10 years it had caught hold in the Midwest. At this same time, a grass roots group of Fayette County residents began to discuss their vision for local, end-of-life palliative care and their desire to develop a free-standing Hospice to serve the area.

Named “Hospice of Fayette County,” the non-profit business was incorporated in 1988. The board of directors established at that point they would never bill patients or families for care provided. Five different rented or donated offices would be used for Hospice until a caregiver gave a legacy with the stipulation that they were to buy a permanent building with the money. After several fundraisers, “home” was established at their current location, 222 N. Oakland Ave.

In 2007, Hospice of Fayette County asked supporters to help them “Build a Bigger Heart.” With the steady growth of census and staff since then, they have outgrown their home. Hospice then decided to purchase the lot next to their building to continue expanding their location. The “Expanding Our Heart” project is the culmination of those efforts.

“We have received such a blessing from the community so far and have gotten nearly over $50,000 towards the expansion project,” Erin Rickman, volunteer coordinator said. “Our goal is to reach $100,000 which will help us expand efforts to serve more people. Since the beginning we have been about ‘neighbors helping neighbors’ and have never charged for our services. We are so thankful for the community involvement in the organization.”

Donations for this endeavor can be made to Hospice of Fayette County. Rickman said they continue to appreciate all of the donations that have been made and without the help of the community they could not provide the services they do.

For more information about the organization or to donate call (740) 335-0149, visit them and see the lot at 222 N. Oakland Ave., or visit www.hospice-fayco.org.