Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care has announced financial support of The Jesssie Smith Darrah Fund for its Our House Campaign to build a hospice residence in Chautauqua County.

The Darrah Fund made an early leadership commitment of $40,000 toward the $2.1 million goal.

“The grant by the Darrah Fund was a very important boost in the quiet phase of our campaign and pointed us toward success,” said Shauna Anderson, Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care president and CEO. “As we transition to asking individuals in our community for their support, the Darrah grant speaks loudly that the hospice house is needed and will succeed.”

The hospice residence, which will be located adjacent to the Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care administrative offices on Fairmount Avenue in Lakewood, is expected to be operational in 2021. Each year it will provide more than 200 individuals who lack a caregiver, have complex medical conditions or can’t remain at home with a peaceful, dignified resting place in their final days.

“The Jesssie Smith Darrah Fund is pleased to support the hospice house project,” said Sam Price, Jessie Smith Darrah Fund president. “Our community will be better served by Hospice with this important enhancement to its programs.”

The Our House Campaign has raised $1.2 million toward the final goal of $2.1 million. The campaign is being guided by Bert and Mary Rappole, campaign co-chairs and long-time residents of Chautauqua County. Fifteen community member volunteers are helping secure donations including Patty Idzik, an early hospice nurse and organizer of hospice care in Chautauqua County, and her husband, Marty.

The mission of Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care is to provide comprehensive palliative/end-of-life care and education. Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care provides hospice care for patients and families facing life-limiting terminal illness, palliative care for those with serious chronic illness, and bereavement support to individuals, families and organizations who have suffered the loss of a loved one. To donate to the Our House Campaign, learn more about the hospice house or learn about the mission of Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care, visit www.chpc.care or call 338-0033.