Peachtree Christian Health Gets Christmas Miracle

Just nineteen days ago Peachtree Christian Health (PCH) announced they would have to permanently close the doors to the area’s only adult day health center at the end of the year due to insurmountable financial hardships caused by the pandemic.

After tears fell and reality set in, caregivers, participants, and community partners pleaded for a chance to help raise the necessary support to put PCH back on stable financial ground for long-term stability. The board cautiously agreed to give them until the end of the month to see what they could do, but the reality was it was going to take a miracle.

Board Chair Bob Dutlinger tells, “The decision to close was gut-wrenching. The setbacks we faced during the shutdown were deep and we needed $500,000 to bridge the gap. Knowing this was going to be so hard on the families we served, we needed to give them as much notice as possible to find alternate care options for their loved ones. We honestly never expected the overwhelming level of faith, devotion, and commitment we’ve seen over the past few weeks.”

The reality was, PCH families refused to accept closure as an option. Linda McCormick said, “I knew with all of my heart that God was not done with PCH. He works miracles every day and I believed if we prayed for it and all did our part, He would deliver a solution for us. And he sure did!”

So many people did their part. Outside of the crowdsourcing campaign, there were powerful testimonies shared, media stories, appeal letters, social media campaigns, matching challenge grants issued, and more. The community rallied more than $594,000 worth of support for PCH, as well as enlisted an anticipated 66 additional enrollment days to grow their census. PCH President, Anne Mancini said laughing, “It’s unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed. Every donation made a difference. My phone has rung constantly and emails have surged. They are still coming! More than 475 donors across 24 states have given to the cause and caregivers from across the region are calling to get on our 2023 enrollment list. Clearly, we are no longer the best kept secret!”

At 8 am on Wednesday, November 30 a special meeting of the non-profit’s Board of Directors was called and they unanimously voted to reverse their previous decision. Dutlinger says, “It’s official. Peachtree Christian Health’s life enrichment center will enthusiastically continue to serve the community and remain fully committed to our mission.”

As news of the decision spread there was an abundance of happy tears, hugs, and prayers of praise and thanksgiving. Caregiver Nadine Rowser, who had still not had the courage or heart to tell her husband that PCH was closing said, “I’ve just prayed and prayed we would get our miracle. Too many in our community need PCH. Caregivers, like me, desperately need this quality, affordable adult day option. Participants, like my husband, thrive here because they have a safe place to belong where they can still have some independence with trained medical staff always watching out for their health and well-being. The staff here are amazing and their loyalty through all of this speaks volumes. Not one of them left.” Rowser continued, “There just aren’t words to express what’s in my heart today. I am so very grateful to each and every person that’s had a hand in this effort to save PCH. You have done a good thing and the ripple effect of your good will carry forth for years to come. Thank you so very, very much!”

The community is invited to join PCH for a joyous party on Thursday, December 22 at 2 pm to celebrate this amazing Christmas miracle. Guests are asked to RSVP at www.bit.ly/PCHRSVP.

Looking ahead to 2023, PCH is excited to fill every opening available and reboot their business plan to shift from recovery to sustainability. There are immediate enrollment opportunities. Families of Veterans are strongly encouraged to reach out as PCH is an approved VA healthcare provider with new transportation options available. Individuals and families caring for adult loved ones that need support during the day to work, manage household duties, or focus on self-care are invited to tour PCH in person or virtually. Those caring for someone with dementia are encouraged to learn more about PCH’s virtual dementia tour. PCH offers rewarding volunteer opportunities too. Those interested in learning more should call 770-624-2727 or email Anne Mancini at amancini@pchlec.org.

The Save Our Center campaign will now sunset and revert back to a Caregiving Scholarship Fund to help provide support to caregivers unable to afford PCH services. Donations can be made anytime at www.pchlec.org. Mancini says, “We must keep this incredible momentum going. Caregivers in our community desperately need our services. The community has spoken and affirms the importance of our mission. We have locked arms and are committed to ensuring caregivers and their loved ones have access to the life enriching services at PCH.”