First Commerce Center for Compassionate Care
The Center, located on the third floor at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, provides a state-of-the-art care setting to manage symptoms that cannot be managed or stabilized at home.
The mission of the FCCCC –the only one of its kind in Tallahassee– is to provide high-quality, compassionate care for patients and families facing serious illness as they transition from hospital to hospice care.
For more information on how you can support this incredible center, please call Dena Strickland at 850-878-5310.

The Center provides a clinical staff specially trained to meet the needs of our patients and families who are facing serious symptoms that cannot be managed at home while providing a peaceful, specialized care setting:
- Pain and other symptoms are expertly treated, providing round-the-clock attention and special therapies from a dedicated hospice care team.
- Patient and family’s emotional, spiritual, and practical needs are supported.
- Patients and families receive care in a quiet, private, beautiful, home-like setting.
- Patients and families receive support to plan for transitions in care depending on the patient’s situation at that time.


Artist’s rendering of the rooms at the First Commerce Center for Compassionate Care.
The First Commerce Center for Compassionate Care will have eight modern, comfortable patient rooms, one of which can be easily converted to accommodate pediatric patients and two that will have the ability to isolate patients with airborne diseases to avoid the risk of exposure. Patients being treated at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare who may need hospice services can be transferred to the First Commerce Center for Compassionate Care on the third floor, where they will benefit from the full services of the Big Bend Hospice’s team.
Thank you First Commerce Credit Union
In recognition of FCCU’s support of Big Bend Hospice’s mission and the incredible generosity of their gift, the new space will be named the First Commerce Center for Compassionate Care.
“Big Bend Hospice Foundation is honored First Commerce Credit Union has chosen to provide the lead gift in our $5 million Capital Campaign to name the Center,” said Dena Strickland, Foundation President. “The First Commerce Center for Compassionate Care will provide a place of hope and state-of-the-art care for our community.”

A $1 million gift from First Commerce Credit Union (FCCU) kickstarted Big Bend Hospice’s fundraising campaign for a new state-of-the-art center for compassionate hospice care, currently under construction on the third floor of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare.
“We could not be prouder of taking our longtime support of Big Bend Hospice to a whole new level with the First Commerce Center for Compassionate Care,” said Cecilia Homison, CEO of First Commerce.
“We are blessed to live in a community where the contributions of Not-For-Profit organizations are valued and supported,” said Bill Wertman, CEO of Big Bend Hospice. “First Commerce Credit Union is a longtime partner to Big Bend Hospice and the community, and we are honored by their legacy gift to our capital campaign. No one ever wants to think about or be in an end-of-life situation, but it is our privilege to support this sensitive and intimate time in people’s lives. This new inpatient unit we are creating in partnership with TMH will provide a beautiful home-like setting where we will give focused, specialized care and comfort to our patients and their families.”
“This expansion will touch countless more families during one of the most difficult times in their lives by providing access to Hospice care, comfort, and inpatient services at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare,” said Alan Neubauer, Chairman of the Board for First Commerce.
Throughout its history, Big Bend Hospice has added and expanded services, and the First Commerce Center for Compassionate Care will fulfill its latest goal by offering hospice care and services for patients and families in the most advanced stages of illness who are too fragile to be cared for away from a hospital setting.
Become a Founding Member of the First Commerce Center for Compassionate Care
Leave a lasting legacy of hope and compassion.


Artist’s rendering of the reception area and chapel at the First Commerce Center for Compassionate Care.
Big Bend Hospice is excited to share some important news about BBH and our vision for its future. As our community grows, so does the demand for comprehensive hospice services. In order to meet this increasing need and provide an even higher level of care, we are constructing the First Commerce Center for Compassionate Care. The FCCCC will allow us to offer a wider range of medical services, accommodate more patients, and enhance the overall hospice experience. However, we cannot do this alone and need your support to make this vision a reality.
Big Bend Hospice has been a cornerstone of our community for 40 years, providing quality hospice services to individuals of all backgrounds and income levels. With this proposed addition, we aim to create a state-of-the-art facility that meets the evolving needs of our community. This expansion will enable us to offer specialized care, allowing us to address symptoms that cannot be managed or stabilized at home. We envision a center that not only addresses the immediate needs of our patients but also focuses on supporting family members in a welcoming, home-like environment that promotes hope and comfort.
We believe that investing in the First Commerce Center for Compassionate Care is an investment in the future of our community. By donating, you will play a vital role in improving access to hospice services for everyone in our community. Your contribution will directly impact the lives of countless individuals and their loved ones. Together, we can build a better hospice experience.
We are Hiring!
First Commerce Center for Compassionate Care, where compassionate care meets career fulfillment.


Are you a compassionate and skilled nurse looking for a rewarding career opportunity? Look no further than First Commerce Center for Compassionate Care! Big Bend Hospice is currently seeking dedicated healthcare workers to join our new FCCCC team. As an employee of BBH, you’ll have the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients while advancing your professional growth.
At Big Bend Hospice, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside experienced healthcare professionals who share your passion for providing high-quality end-of-life care. Whether you’re a seasoned nurse or a recent graduate, we welcome individuals at all stages of their careers to join us. We offer comprehensive training programs and mentorship opportunities to ensure you have the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in your role.
As a healthcare professional with us, you’ll be working at the First Commerce Center for Compassionate Care, a state-of-the-art facility with a focus on delivering exceptional care. Join our team of compassionate nurses and be part of a healthcare organization that prioritizes patient-centered care and professional development. See our open positions and learn more about how to join us in this extraordinary center, right from the beginning.
Some of the positions we currently have available:
- Charge Nurse RN, NEW IPU Team
- RN, NEW IPU Team
- CNA, NEW IPU Team
- Clinical Support Specialist, NEW IPU Team
Volunteers Wanted!
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of our patients and their families.


We are currently seeking dedicated volunteers to support and uplift patients at our First Commerce Center for Compassionate Care. As a Trained BBH Volunteer, you will play a vital role in creating a warm and welcoming environment for patients, providing them with the emotional support and companionship they need during their healthcare journey.
Volunteering at our medical center offers a unique opportunity to make a positive impact in your community. Whether you have a few hours a week or are looking for a more substantial commitment, we have a variety of roles and schedules to accommodate your availability. From spending time with patients, engaging in friendly conversations, or assisting with recreational activities, your presence and compassion can make a significant difference in brightening someone’s day.
Join our team of compassionate volunteers and become an integral part of our patient-centered care. No prior experience is required, as we provide comprehensive training and ongoing support. If you have a kind heart, a listening ear, and a desire to bring comfort to those in need, we invite you to apply and be part of our dedicated team of Volunteers.
Big Bend Hospice has been proudly serving this community since 1983, inspiring HOPE by positively impacting the way our community; Leon, Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla counties; experiences a serious illness or grief – one family at a time. If you would like information about services, please call 850-878-5310 or visit www.bigbendhospice.org.
First Commerce Credit Union is a #LocalStrong award-winning, full-service financial institution and the largest locally-based credit union in Tallahassee with more than $1 billion in assets and serving more than 70,000 consumer and business members in North Florida/South Georgia. First Commerce is well known for supporting the communities we serve, including recognition as a two-time national 1st place winner of the Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award from the Credit Union National Association, with back-to-back wins in 2020 and 2021, and a longtime consistent winner at the state level by the League of Southeastern Credit Unions. Our dedication to empowering people to enhance their well-being includes providing free financial education online and in-person through the FCCU Foundation, our 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization. The credit union has 14 locations – in Florida, 6 in Tallahassee and 1 in Marianna and in Georgia, 3 in Valdosta, and one each in Thomasville, Adel, Nashville, and Ray City. First Commerce offers best-in-class consumer and business products, services, and technology – including EasySWITCH, which makes switching to a First Commerce checking account easier than ever. First Commerce also offers comprehensive financial planning and investment services through its subsidiary Six Pillars Financial Advisors. For details, visit FirstCommerceCU.org or call 850.488.0035 or 800.533.5772. Insured by NCUA. Equal housing opportunity lender.