Open Arms House Hosts Open House

More than 100 people attended the open house for the Open Arms House in Visalia on June 22. Board members conducted tours and answered questions. Craig VanHorn brought the A&W Floatmobile and it was manned by high school students from Exeter.

The extensive remodeling on the house, located at 3234 W. Iris, was funded through donations and is now complete; however, donations of furniture, television sets, hospital beds and other furnishings are still needed.

"Thanks to very generous donations from Kaweah Delta Hospice Foundation and the Lyles-Porter Family, fundraising started off very strong, and we were able to raise almost $700,000," said Nickel. "However, the remodeling and expansion was costly, and we are now seeking support to fully furnish the house and to have $400,000 in the bank to fund our first year."

The house will be dedicated to Ruth Dunagan Wood, a long-time supporter of hospice, at a celebration in September.

The home will be available to those who are enrolled in a hospice program and who can no longer remain in their own home. The cost per day will be determined by each resident's ability to pay, and community support and grants will underwrite the cost of maintaining the home.

For more information about The Open Arms House, call Carol Nickel at (559) 280-0640.