MILES FOR MERCY HOUSE FUNDRAISER HELPS THE ORGANIZATION CONTINUE ITS COMPASSIONATE MISSION
By The Daily Boro Staff
(Chambersburg, October 11)
Mercy House of Chambersburg hosted its second annual charity walk, Miles for Mercy House, on October 11. The end-of-life home opened in 2022, and this non-profit organization provides compassionate end-of-life care in a calm, peaceful, and home-like setting.
The walk, held at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Chambersburg, offered a half-mile course to participants, who could walk as many laps as they wished, making the event accessible to walkers of all ages and fitness levels.
Charity walkers received a commemorative t-shirt, snacks, and water. The walk also sponsored special gifts and door prizes throughout the event. Event participation doubled this year to 60 people, including people whose family members spent their last days at Mercy House. The total funds raised during the event haven’t been tabulated yet.
WellSpan Health was a sponsorship partner in the fundraiser. “The Miles for Mercy House walk perfectly aligns with our values of health, community, and caring for others,” said Niki Hinckle, senior vice president for WellSpan Health.
This was the first partnership between the two entities. “We are extremely grateful for WellSpan Health’s support of our mission,” said Torey Kauffman, the executive director at Mercy House. “This partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to wellness and strengthening our community.”
Kauffman became Mercy House’s Executive Director in June, and she comes from a nursing background, so her skills were a great fit. “I’m grateful for the opportunity,” Kauffman said. “We’re getting more referrals, working with great partners, and our mission is building.”
The organization attends to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of guests with its specially trained and licensed caregivers. During this process, family and friends are also supported and comforted.
Mercy House is the first facility of its kind in Franklin County, serving community members who can’t be cared for at home or don’t require hospitalization.
The organization partners with local hospice agencies to develop comprehensive plans for holistic care, which aim to improve end-of-life experiences for individuals and their families through education, engagement, and community involvement. Guests at Mercy House are treated with dignity and respect during their final chapter in life.
Around-the-clock personal care is provided at Mercy House, which has 10 spacious and private guestrooms, a kitchen, family and friends lounge, living room, common areas, library, reflection room, children’s nook, and meeting room. Loved ones are welcome to gather, and each room provides space for overnight stays.
Mercy House accepts referrals from hospice providers, family physicians, and hospitals when a cure is no longer possible, and offers comfort and symptom management for people who cannot be cared for at home or do not wish to be in a nursing facility. The average stay at Mercy House is 7-10 days. This facility accepts admissions without discrimination on any basis, including age, gender, race, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, or disability.
Mercy House has competitive daily rates and payment plans. The generosity of individuals and businesses, along with grants and bequests, helps to bridge the gap between the actual costs of care and payments received.
For more information, call 717-575-5035, email: [email protected], or visit the website: mercyhouseofchambersburg.org.
