Phoebe Foundation hosts Paver Dedication Ceremony

Remembering those who have passed and honoring those still here...

ALBANY, GA- Wednesday morning, The Phoebe Foundation hosted it’s Paver Dedication Ceremony. Adding new bricks to the Phoebe brick road, otherwise known as the exterior walkway.

For 30 years patients, visitors, staff members and more from all over have walked on over 2,900 pavers. Many, not knowing the story behind them.

“A paver, as you can see in the walkway behind me, they can be in memory of someone, or they can be in honor of someone. But also, it just offers such a nice opportunity who are at the hospital for a number of reasons. whether you’re here to visit a family member, or a loved one that’s in the hospital in one of the towers, or if you’re just on your shift and you need a moment. it’s just a beautiful place to come and reflect on those who have passed and those who are still with us and deserved to be honored” said Kari Middleton, Chairperson for Phoebe Foundation Board of Directors.

Callie Walker, although not an employee, says she has always felt a part of the Phoebe Family, and having pavers secures that relationship for generations.

“All three of my children have a brick here. All three of my girls were born here, i was born here, so having my children have a footprint in the foundation, literally, of the campus just is so important not only for the people remembering loved ones but, in my case, small and just born and just have a future ahead of them. So, 25 years from now they can come back and have an imprint on this wonderful organization” Walker said.

This year proceeds of the paver program will go towards Phoebe’s chaplaincy program.

“We refer to in the chaplaincy program as a ministry of presence. So, a lot of times when a chaplain goes and we are with a patient or with a family, sometimes [with] just our presence, they’ll have someone to talk with and feel comfortable, someone they can trust as they are going through one of the most difficult and scary times that they’ve been through. So, our chaplaincy department I believe has encouraged not just our patients but our staff as well” said Joey Holland, Interim Manager of Chaplaincy.

With hospital budgets being tight nationwide, Holland explained how these funds will help the program tremendously.

“I have 10 volunteers, they give their time freely, so I’d like to give them a token of my appreciation occasionally. it’s going to help me provide training for them. What you may not know is that religious materials for a lot of different faiths are not free, you have to purchase religious material. So that’s another cost we have in our chaplaincy department” Holland said.

Kari Middleton also explained that you do not have to be a staff member, former patient or be of relation to Phoebe Putney in order to purchase a paver. This opportunity is open to anyone who decides to purchase one.

If you are interested in purchasing a paver or have questions you can visit the Phoebe Foundation’s website or call (229) 412-4483.

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