A Gwinnett County facility that often cares for adults with dementia is at risk of closing its doors permanently, as caregivers and supporters try and raise money before a Tuesday night deadline.

Peachtree Christian Health in Duluth has been operating as an adult day health center since 2019, but operated as a hospice for two decades before then. It’s one of the only alternatives to in-home care and assisted living in the area for caregivers to bring adults with dementia.

“It would be a shame if it closed down, it really would be,” said Mikal Kitchens, whose husband receives care at the facility twice a week. “It’s really been a godsend for us.”

The nonprofit’s board opted to shut the facility down three weeks ago, but the director launched a “Save our Center” campaign to raise $500,000 and expand enrollment by Tuesday at 11:59 p.m.

The location is also a place where caregivers can bring their loved ones to socialize and receive services for older adults with dementia who cannot be left home alone.

“When she’s here, I don’t worry about her because they’re very good to her,” said Lou Kirouac, who brings his wife with Parkinson’s and dementia three times a week.

Donations have been trickling in all day Monday from community members and anonymous donors. There is a challenge grant that came in on Monday from a donor, according to PCH’s director, that will add $25,000 to the total if the community can raise $25,000 by Tuesday.

For more information on how to help, visit https://pchlec.org/.

If the campaign falls short, all money will be refunded, according to staff, and the facility will be forced to close on Dec. 23.

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