KENNEWICK, Wash. – The Tri Cities Chaplaincy is undergoing a significant remodel, with a budget of more than $3 million. The hospice center, which has been serving the community since the early 1990s, is getting a much-needed upgrade.
Laurie Jackson, CEO of Tri Cities Chaplaincy, shared her gratitude for the community’s continuous support. “We could not have built this in the first place were it not for community partnerships,” said Jackson.
The hospice center has been providing care for 30 years, offering families a chance to be present with their loved ones rather than acting as caregivers. Jackson expressed appreciation for individuals like Tom Halazon, the former executive director who played a crucial role in the original project back in 1993. “At that point, we had a very small budget and a very small staff and very few hospice patients,” Halazon said.
Halazon, along with the Columbia Center Rotary Club, recognized the need for a hospice house and took action. Despite financial challenges, the community rallied together. “They decided to donate some money so that we could get a person here to tell us that we did need a hospice house and could afford to fund it,” Halazon said. “Well, that all backfired. He came here, they found out we couldn’t afford it and we couldn’t continue to fund it. And so, in our wisdom of all, the board decided to go ahead and build.”
Thousands of volunteers contributed over three years, making the project possible. “The flowers all along here were donated and planted by grade school kids from Kennewick School District,” Halazon said.
Jackson aims to continue the legacy of this local endeavor. “We ended up punching out the walls, only for I think it’s a little over 1000ft² is all. We have added a fireside room, a living space and a sitting area. We’ve added a kitchen and dining room,” Jackson said.
Halazon takes pride in seeing the evolution of his hard work over the past 30 years. “You get pride, but it also right here in the heart,” Halazon said.
The goal is to have the remodel completed by the start of next year. For those interested in contributing, the Live Your Best Life fundraiser will be held on November 14. More information can be found on the Tri Cities Chaplaincy website.
