By Bill Wertman, MSW
CEO of Big Bend Hospice and Seven Oaks Health

At Big Bend Hospice (BBH), every decision we make is guided by our commitment to serving families across North Florida with compassion and care. For more than 40 years, we have been a cornerstone of support for patients with advanced illnesses and their loved ones.

Today, I am proud to share an exciting new chapter in our story: the opening of Oak Tree Treasures, a resale shop located at 3260 Mahan Drive in Tallahassee, created for those who value thrift and are committed to supporting Big Bend Hospice.



Oak Tree Treasures is more than just a store— it exemplifies our mission of ensuring that every family has access to the highest quality hospice care, regardless of financial barriers. All proceeds from the store will directly support our hospice services and therapeutic programs, helping us bring comfort and dignity to families during life’s most challenging moments.

“We are thrilled to welcome the community to our new Oak Tree Treasures location in Tallahassee,” said Amanda Gustafson, Executive Director of Big Bend Hospice. “This new space supports the vital, compassionate care that Big Bend Hospice provides to individuals and families across the region. Oak Tree Treasures is more than just a store—it’s a place where people can shop, give, and volunteer, all while contributing to the goal of helping every individual in our community live each day with dignity, meaning, and purpose at the end of life.”

As we celebrate this milestone, it’s also important to reflect on the challenges facing nonprofit hospices nationwide. Nationwide, less than one-third of hospices operate as nonprofits (CDC, 2020), and the growth of for-profit providers continues to reshape the landscape (Hospice News, 2022). Despite these pressures, Big Bend Hospice remains steadfast in our commitment to personalized, community-centered care. Oak Tree Treasures represents another step forward in ensuring our sustainability while staying true to our roots.

Since 1983, Big Bend Hospice has served the communities of Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla counties. In recent years, we have expanded our services to meet growing needs. From the opening of the First Commerce Center for Compassionate Care at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare to the launch of Seven Oaks Health, our new parent company, and the growth of Transitions Supportive Care, our palliative program, we’ve taken bold steps to ensure that families across the region have access to comprehensive, compassionate care.

Now, with Oak Tree Treasures, we’re introducing a new way for the community to engage with and support our mission.



Every item purchased at the store will contribute to funding vital services like grief support and music therapy. It’s a chance for our supporters to make a tangible impact while discovering unique treasures and bargains.

Oak Tree Treasures wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our donors, volunteers, and staff. Their dedication has transformed this vision into a reality. Chloe Bassham, Assistant Retail Operations Manager, has personal experience with Big Bend Hospice, as a few of her family members received care from the organization. This experience drew her to BBH and support its mission. “The mission of Oak Tree Treasures and its support of Big Bend Hospice were important factors in my decision to work here,” Bassham shared. “The position also allows me to use my creativity and skills to give back to the community.”

Brooke Mariscal, Manager of Oak Tree Treasures, also has a deep personal connection to hospice care. “About three years ago, my grandfather received care from Big Bend Hospice, and since then, I have developed a deep appreciation for the organization,” Mariscal shared. “This position gave me an opportunity to contribute to a cause close to my heart. I am proud to serve in this role and support the important work they do for our community.”

We are especially grateful to the Tallahassee community for embracing this initiative and helping us extend our reach.

The upcoming open house will provide the community with a wonderful opportunity to explore Oak Tree Treasures and learn more about how it supports our mission. The proceeds from donated items—such as clothing, furniture, and artwork—help offset the costs of vital programs like music therapy, bereavement support, children’s bereavement programs, counseling, and other underfunded services.

If you’re downsizing or managing a loved one’s belongings, consider donating to Oak Tree Treasures—a trusted space where your contributions directly benefit local families in need. Together, we can inspire hope and ensure families in North Florida continue to receive the compassionate care they deserve.

The grand opening of Oak Tree Treasures will take place at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 17, 2025. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating this milestone and exploring the store.

For more information about Oak Tree Treasures and how you can support Big Bend Hospice, visit oaktreetreasures.org or call 850-671-6000

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About Big Bend Hospice
For more than 40 years, Big Bend Hospice has served North Florida’s Big Bend region as a nonprofit hospice provider, committed to comprehensive care for patients and families. Now part of Seven Oaks Health, Big Bend Hospice continues to offer the region’s highest standard of hospice care.

It proudly offers the region’s only owned and operated inpatient hospice units, including the Margaret Z. Dozier Hospice House and the First Commerce Center for Compassionate Care at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. For more information, call 850-878-5310 or visit bigbendhospice.org.