Haven Hospice hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Friday afternoon for the new Homer J. Sr. & Fern O. Custead Care Center in Orange Park/Clay County.  The groundbreaking was attended by more than 150 people, including elected officials, business and community leaders, and took place at the future location of the new facility at 745 Blanding Blvd.

Haven President Tim Bowen opened the ceremony by thanking Florida Senator Stephen Wise, Representative Charles Van Zant and Clay County Commissioner Travis Cummings and the community for their support in creating the opportunity to build the hospice inpatient care center. 

“The groundbreaking of the new Custead Care Center marks the beginning of a new era for the residents of Clay County,” said Bowen. “The development of our new ‘state of the art’ facility will allow Haven Hospice to expand its services to better meet the end-of-life and palliative care needs of residents in the area.  This care center will distinguish itself not just by the special care that will be delivered within its walls but also as an industry-leading example of the best design and engineering in the United States, providing shelter under its roof if storms or other natural disasters strike the area.  The care center and its community room will be built to withstand a category 3 hurricane.” 

Senator Wise, Representative Van Zant and Commissioner Cummings all spoke about the value of the care center for families in the community and the positive economic impact of job creation in the Clay County area.

“I am honored to be part of this special day for Clay County as Haven Hospice announces 50 new jobs for our citizens,” said Senator Wise.  “Our citizens will not only benefit from these jobs and the economic impact of the new care center but also from the quality services, treatment and programs that Haven provides to patients and families in Clay County,” he added.

The Custead family, with 65-year history in Clay County, made a significant donation to Haven in honor of Homer Custead, Sr.  The generosity of the Custead family will help Haven offset the costs for this much-needed community asset and further serve the needs of patients and families in Orange Park and Clay County for generations to come.  
                               
The Custead Care Center is scheduled to open in the summer of 2012.