New Agrace HospiceCare facility could be up and running by late 2012

As reported by Shelly Birkelo in the Janesville Gazette

JANESVILLE — Agrace HospiceCare is quietly raising money to build a new $5.5 million facility on the city's northeast side.

"We need 50 percent of the capital campaign pledged before we can break ground. It's Agrace HospiceCare policy," said Jayme Roth, development manager/general manager of Agrace HospiceCare-Rock County.

Agrace HospiceCare's foundation and holdings boards on July 21 approved the building project and supporting capital campaign. The purchase of five acres at Sandhill Drive and Wright Road was finalized July 29.

Organizers hope the facility is finished in late 2012 or early 2013, she said.

To date, $225,000 has been raised during the capital campaign "quiet phase," which includes small group presentations and one-on-one conversations, Roth said."We're very pleased because our conversations have just begun," Roth said.

The public campaign will launch in early spring after ground is broken, she said.

The $5.5 million project total includes land, an extension of Sandhill Drive, soil testing, permits, fees, furnishings and equipment, Roth said.Roth said Agrace HospiceCare leaders are confident $5.5 million is attainable.

"We did focus groups last summer when we invited a variety of individuals and businesses from the area and spoke about who we are and what we do. We had overwhelming support from everyone that came, so we felt we had the community's acceptance, appreciation and support before we moved forward," she said.

Pledged gifts may be made over three to five years, Roth said.J.P. Cullen & Sons will serve as general contractor to build the 17,000-square-foot building. Angus Young Architects will serve as project architect.

The new building will provide efficiencies for the nonprofit, community-based hospice."Our care teams and clinical staff need the space to plan the plan of care," Roth said.Space also is needed for 160 volunteers, who need to be trained and certified, and for grief groups and grief counseling.

"We need handicap-accessible space and private space for them to meet," she said.The Rock County Agrace HospiceCare office serves 150 patients a day in the Rock County area, while Agrace HospiceCare's Fitchburg facility serves Dane County."

Between the two locations, we serve over 650 patients and families daily," Roth said. "We anticipate that number would grow about 5 percent annually.

"Agrace HospiceCare-Rock County now operates out of a building at 3001 W. Memorial Drive.

Although it has not been listed, the building is being readied for sale, Roth said.The new service center would double Agrace HospiceCare's space and provide easy access.

"This location really provides us that optimum ability to get out to the patients and their families in a very visible place," Roth said.

To contribute to the Agrace HospiceCare capital campaign, contact Jayme Roth, Agrace HospiceCare-Rock County development manager/general manager at (608) 755-1871; mail a check to Agrace HospiceCare, 3001 W. Memorial Drive, Janesville, WI 53538; or visit Agrace HospiceCareinc.com.