News & Events

Building Hope: The Brown Family Grief Center

Friday, October, 17, 2025

Pictured: HPCIC staff, the HPCIC Board of Directors, and the Brown Family.

Building Hope: The Brown Family Grief Center

On October 16, 2025, Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County (HPCIC) proudly broke ground on the Brown Family Grief Center—a long-awaited space of healing, hope, and connection. Built by G.L. Wilson, the center is expected to open its doors in late summer 2026, bringing to life a vision that has been years in the making.

Nestled on nearly two acres at 2351 Simonton Road, Statesville, right beside the HPCIC administrative building, the Brown Family Grief Center will serve as a sanctuary for those navigating loss. Visitors will be welcomed by an inviting front porch—a peaceful place for quiet reflection or meaningful conversation. Inside, a beautiful open-concept design will create warmth and comfort, featuring a residential-style kitchen, cozy living area, and fireplace where families can gather for meals, share stories, and begin the healing process together.

The center will include:

Two large adult meeting rooms with soft lighting and calming décor
A conference room for workshops and education
Three therapy/play rooms, each tailored to a specific age group
A theater and art room for creative expression
Six private offices for grief counselors providing one-on-one support

Why This Center Matters

Since 1984, HPCIC has served Iredell County with compassion and excellence, offering hospice, palliative care, and grief support for both adults and children. As a nonprofit, no family is ever turned away, regardless of insurance or ability to pay.

But the need for grief and bereavement care is growing. Beyond the required 11 months of bereavement support for hospice families, there is an urgent and increasing need for services for those facing sudden and unexpected losses—accidents, suicides, overdoses, and other tragedies that leave families reeling and unprepared.

Over the past five years, Rainbow Kidz, HPCIC’s pediatric grief program, has served 2,783 children—a 66% increase. Through school-based groups, one-on-one counseling, Camp Rainbow, and a new parent-caregiver support group, Rainbow Kidz has provided critical support for young people struggling to understand loss. Yet, the demand continues to outpace the space and resources currently available.

Research shows that children and families heal best in environments designed specifically for grief support. The Brown Family Grief Center will provide that dedicated space—allowing for year-round therapy, family programs, and specialized groups for those coping with suicide, overdose, or homicide losses. For the first time, HPCIC will have the capacity to bring entire families together under one roof, offering simultaneous adult and child grief support.

This center will also become a hub for professional and community education, helping expand the reach of Rainbow Kidz across North Carolina, empowering other counties to replicate this successful model.

How You Can Help: We Need You to Build Hope

To make this vision a reality, we must raise $5 million—and we still need your help to finish the job. Every brick, every room, every child’s smile depends on the generosity of people like you.

Your gift today will help complete the Brown Family Grief Center and give children and families in our community a place to heal.

Donate now to help us build hope, foster resilience, and honor the memory of loved ones.

Together, we can ensure that every grieving heart in Iredell County—and beyond—has a place to find comfort, connection, and peace.

There are many ways to contribute to this building capital campaign:

Pledge: Donors may choose to make a pledge to be paid one time or over up to 3 years. Larger pledges may be extended, contact Mindy Rice, Director of Development at mindyr@hoic.org or 704-924-4323.

Transfer of Stock: Make a gift for the capital campaign by donating stock. All donated stock will be sold on the day of transfer and donation will equal the amount sold on that day. Please contact your personal financial advisor to see if this form of donation would be beneficial to you.

Donor Advised Fund: Donors can make a one-time donation or set up recurring donations to fulfill a pledge through their donor advised fund.

IRA Charitable Rollover: Donors can contribute to the campaign through an IRA. Please contact your personal financial advisor to see if this may be a good option for you.

In-Kind Gifts: In certain cases, an in-kind gift of building materials or building contents can be made. Please contact Mindy Rice for more information.

Online Pledges & Payments: To make a pledge and/or payment online please visit apps.hoic.org/pledges.

If you would prefer to meet one-on-one to discuss this campaign, we would love to sit down with you! To schedule a meeting or for any questions related to a pledge or donation please contact: Mindy Rice, Director of Development, mindyr@hoic.org or 704-924-4323.