04/24/2026
As promised, I will explain what the situation is with the Heart program. Over the past 3-4 years, the client census at the program has been decreasing and has gotten to the point where client intakes do not meet the scale to effectively maintain the program at its current level.
Penfield had to decide whether to continue efforts to maintain the program or move it to a smaller facility closer to the Union Point campus and change the level of care offered.
After exploring and discussing all other options, it was decided that to maintain a female program that still provides treatment for women, the move had to be made. Penfield will move the female campus to Union Point and will return the Heart property to the Lavonia First Baptist Church. It is my understanding that they will be seeking someone to establish another program for women at the facility.
The Penfield women’s program will be a Transitional Program run by some of the current Heart staff. It will be a 12-15 facility. The transition will occur by June 1, 2026.
I apologize if the prior information you previously received from others causes some confusion and discomfort. It is our goal to provide the best treatment possible for both the men and women we serve, and we have been doing so for over 45 years. We plan to continue helping our brothers and sisters in Christ, like many of you reading this message, find their way out of addiction and into a loving relationship with Christ.
-Donnie Plummer
