AMOREM seeks community support to finish patient care unit

AMOREM’s effort to open a new hospice inpatient facility serving the High Country has grown slightly more expensive, pushing the organization’s fundraising goal to $8.3 million.

The nonprofit hospice provider announced the increase after a state building inspection last fall identified several items that require additional construction before the facility can be licensed.

The project, known as the AMOREM SECU Patient Care Unit of the High Country, held an open house in July 2025. Soon afterward, representatives from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Health Service Regulation inspected the building.

Inspectors identified several issues that must be corrected to bring the facility fully into compliance with state codes. Construction to address those items is scheduled to be completed by March 6 at an estimated cost of about $200,000, increasing the total project budget from $8.1 million to $8.3 million.

AMOREM has been fundraising for the project since fall 2021. The building is named for State Employees Credit Union, whose foundation contributed $1.5 million toward the effort.

So far, the organization has raised about $6.5 million through community donations, corporate gifts and grants. With the revised goal, about $1.8 million remains to be raised.

“As a nonprofit hospice provider, AMOREM needs the community’s help to reach its $8.3 million goal,” said Kerri L. McFalls, the organization’s chief growth and development officer. “We have come so far with reaching the goal and are incredibly grateful for the support we have received. But we can’t stop now. AMOREM needs everyone’s help to raise the remaining $1.8 million of the goal.”

An anonymous donor pledged $250,000 last summer and challenged High Country residents to match the gift dollar for dollar. Since the challenge began, more than $129,000 has been raised toward that match, McFalls said.

“No gift amount is too small,” McFalls said. “Can you imagine if every person in the High Country gave $20 — we would surpass our goal.”

The Caldwell Hospice Foundation recently added $200,000 to the campaign to help cover the unexpected construction expenses. The foundation previously contributed $1.3 million to the project in March 2022.

Once construction is finished, AMOREM will request a follow up inspection from state regulators. If no additional issues are identified, the organization can receive a state facility license and move toward opening the unit.

Before opening, AMOREM must also hire staff for the facility. The organization is recruiting nurses, certified nursing assistants, dietary workers and housekeeping staff. Clinical positions require about 90 days for onboarding and training.

“This is an opportunity for someone to be a part of history,” McFalls said. “To have the opportunity to work in the first and only hospice inpatient facility in the High Country would be a true honor.”

Information about job openings is available at amoremsupport.org/careers. Donations to support the campaign or the matching gift challenge can be made at amoremsupport.org/donate/high-country-capital-campaign.

— AVN