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Hospice leaders ask Iredell County commissioners to support $5 million family grief center
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Summary
Representatives from Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County requested county support and public awareness for a proposed $5 million family grief center in Statesville, saying the center would expand services for children and families coping with sudden and traumatic loss.
Leigh Ann Doherty, a licensed clinical social worker, and Mindy Rice, director of development for Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, asked the Iredell County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday to support a proposed family grief center adjacent to the Gordon Hospice House in Statesville.
Doherty said the center would provide “a place of healing, a hub of hope” tailored to families and children coping with traumatic losses and that Rainbow Kids currently serves more than 800 children a year. “We believe that Iredell County needs a family grief center,” Doherty said during the public comment period.
The presenters told commissioners the planned project is a $5,000,000 development and that the county’s Troutman has already pledged financial support. Mindy Rice said the campaign is about 35% funded and that general contractor GL Wilson has been awarded the project. “By investing in this project, we send a clear message. Our children and their families will not be forgotten in their grief,” Rice said.
Rice and Doherty described program features they say the center will offer, including specialized peer groups for children and adults, themed rooms for play therapy and workshop space that can serve whole families before dividing into age-appropriate groups. The presenters said the center would address sudden traumatic losses such as homicide, overdose, suicide and accidents.
Commissioners asked how the public can learn more; Rice directed listeners to the hospice website, h0ic.org, and said staff would provide additional campaign materials. The presenters said they were continuing due diligence on design and budget and had a public campaign planned.
No board action or vote was taken during the public comment period; the presenters were given time to speak and leave materials with the clerk. Hospice representatives indicated they will seek broader community and municipal contributions as the fund-raising campaign continues.
