Serving you over 20 years...

During the fall of 1987, Lila Albergotti, Betty Blackerby, Betty Gable, Dot Haddock, and Jan Vestal began work to start a hospice program for our community.  Jan was familiar with hospice through a recent experience with a program in Tennessee.  They began to talk with physicians, the clergy, anyone who would listen to decide what steps to take to proceed. 

 The following is a summary of events leading from a dream to a reality
and the milestones that followed:

1988    Hospice of Anderson founded
            During the first year, 15 patients were admitted from September 26^th to December 31^st 

1992     Began an endowment/investment account for special projects -
             Long range plans for a Hospice House began 

1994    Changed name to Hospice of the Upstate Inc. to better reflect our coverage area 
            Started annual children’s bereavement camp in the spring

1995    Hospice Medicaid Benefit was initiated in South Carolina

1996    Opened Hospice of the Upstate Pharmacy
           This change helped us reduce our pharmaceutical cost and allow us more control over
           drugs our patients needed.  Cost decreased about 30% per month.

1997    Anderson Alliance for a Healthy Future started helping us raise money for a
            Hospice House

1998    The Callie & John Rainey Hospice House was built
            On July 26, the first patient was admitted

2000     Board of Directors voted to begin work on a building expansion to serve more individuals

2002    The Hospice House new 16-bed addition opened  

2003     Kicked off a Faith-In-Action program “Beams of Light”

2005    Home Care Medical Director, began making home visits.
           
            Opened Rose Dining Hall – new dining room and family gathering space

2006    Randall E. Sadler Bereavement and Education Center opened to provide critically needed
            space for Community Education on End-of-Life issues and Bereavement.
           
            Outdoor “Chapel in the Woods” constructed by church, community, and school volunteers
            provided a quiet space for worship and reflection.  The Good News Sunday School Class
            of New Prospect Baptist Church donated the materials.

2007    Dedication of the Meditation Gardens and the Barbara Craft Garden
            Gifts from friends of Hospice of the Upstate which provide seasonal
           beauty and a relaxing environment

           Awarded grants from the Lance Armstrong Foundation, Valparaiso University, and the
           Abney Foundation to provide caregivers and patients with education, spiritual
           and emotional support.

           Our staff and volunteers cared for over 1,100 patients and families. 

 

2008  20^th Anniversary Celebration

          “Pointing the Way” Awarded to our Five Founding Ladies

          Installed Welcome Garden, gift of staff 

          Website Updated
 

          Sculpture and Lighting installed in Meditation Gardens
 

          “Caring is Preparing” Care Coach Training Manual - Lance Armstrong Community Program

          New Volunteer programs - Ambassador & 11^th Hour

 

2009   CareAnyware implemented (electronic documentation)

          Full-time Children's Outreach Coordinator

          First Butterfly & Dove Release in May
 

          New  Pet Placement Volunteer

          "Preparing a Caring Community” –expanded educational program, including Advance
          Directives, Faith in Action, and Caregiver Support