Heart of Georgia Hospice Thrift store, hospice facility to be under one roof this fall

WARNER ROBINS — For the first time since its opening, Heart of Georgia Hospice will have both its administrative office and thrift store under one roof. The nonprofit organization recently purchased property at 1725 Watson Boulevard. 

Moving will be seamless, with no break in services, according to Executive Director Jennifer Elliott.

“Our commitment is to the community first and to our patients and families, so nothing will be interrupted,” she said. 

The office and thrift store have always been at separate locations. The office is currently located at 103 Westridge Drive, while the store is located across town at 1851 Watson Boulevard. 

Elliott said that people often aren’t aware that the thrift store supports the hospice. 

“Putting them together in one building is going to help strengthen that we truly are one organization with one mission and both are supporting that,” she said. 

The team looked at several locations before finding their perfect new home and the setup was ideal at the current furniture store. The future location includes a large showroom floor and a warehouse; offices will be built during the remodel.

Elliott and the team are excited about the move, from both the hospice and thrift store sides. Coming together gives volunteers and employees a sense of belonging and shows the organization’s teamwork. Together, they can help push their mission forward stronger. 

Heart of Georgia Hospice is the only independent nonprofit hospice care in the middle Georgia area, providing support across 10 counties. 

The organization focuses on comfort, dignity, and extending quality of life for anyone facing an incurable serious illness. Their team provides emotional, spiritual, and practical support to families through different stages. 

Every dollar made from donations and purchases funds Heart of Georgia Hospice. Elliott said the hospice never sends a bill to any patient or family member for any services that are not covered. 

She believes one location will create a better experience for everyone. It will allow staff to work more collaboratively, improving their day-to-day efficiency. 

This will also make it easier for community members by reducing confusion on where to donate and the cost of maintaining two locations. 

“We’re putting every dime of that savings back into the community,” she said. 

Elliott said Heart of Georgia Hospice exists because of the community and their support. 

“Every thrift store purchase, every volunteer hour, every family who allows us to walk beside them through this journey is what makes it possible for us to be here,” she said. “We’re honored to serve middle Georgia, we’re excited to continue that service in a new space that positions us better for the future. We hope the community will continue to grow with us, support us and be proud with us of what we’re building.”

The hospice plans to move mid to late fall; an exact date will be determined closer to the time frame.

To learn more about Heart of Georgia Hospice, visit their website.