Community Health Network Foundation secures $100,000 grant for grief support to children; Dollars will be used to reach 16,000 children

Indianapolis, IN---The Community Health Network Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that raises financial support for Community Health Network patients, caregivers and Central Indiana communities, has been awarded a Grief Reach Grant from the New York Life Foundation. Community’s foundation was chosen from among 60 national bereavement providers to benefit from the grant and one of only five organizations to receive $100,000. The funding is part of a national effort to expand grief support services to diverse and disadvantaged youth in communities not served by existing programs.

The Grief Reach Grant from the New York Life Foundation will assist Community Health Network Foundation in its mission to provide grief counseling and grief programs for 16,000 children, ages 5 to 18, who have lost a loved one during childhood. The funds will be channeled to the network’s bereavement services, supported by Community Home Health and Community Behavioral Health.

“We are pleased to be the recipient of this grant to broaden our reach and provide important services to the Indianapolis community,” said Joyce Irwin, the new president and CEO of Community Health Network Foundation. “This grant will help raise awareness and enable our foundation to provide education and resources to youths and families who otherwise may not have received the attention they need to cope with the loss of a loved one.”

“Community Health Network has a history of strong behavioral health programs,” said Lisa Collins, chief clinical officer of Community Home Health. “This $100,000 grant secured by our foundation will help us extend our reach to grieving children who have lost an important relationship during their formative years. With the right support, these children can learn ways to overcome their sadness and grow into successful adults.”

Community Health Network has four areas of grief support for children, including:

• Enhanced grief and bereavement services targeting children in families receiving hospice care from Community Home Health
• Continued relationships with the attendees of the annual Camp Erin weekend, where children ages 6-17 enjoy traditional camp activities, as well as grief counseling
• A full-time youth bereavement specialist (behavioral therapist), who will provide school-based grief support in group settings and in age-appropriate health education curriculum at all 15 sites of MSD Lawrence Township Schools
• Outreach to disadvantaged and minority children who are not already being served by Community Home Health or other providers

The winning providers all responded to a Request for Proposals (RFP) created through a partnership with the New York Life Foundation and the National Alliance of Grieving Children (NAGC).

About Community Health Network Foundation
Community Health Network Foundation is the not-for-profit philanthropic organization of Community Health Network, Central Indiana’s leader in providing convenient access to exceptional healthcare services, where and when patients need them. Donations support patients, caregivers and Central Indiana communities. For more information about Community Health Network Foundation, call 317-355-GIVE or visit eCommunity.org.

About New York Life Foundation
Inspired by New York Life’s tradition of service and humanity, the New York Life Foundation has, since its founding in 1979, provided more than $155 million in charitable contributions to national and local nonprofit organizations. Through its focus on “Nurturing the Children,” the Foundation supports programs that benefit young people, particularly in the areas of educational enhancement and childhood bereavement. The Foundation also encourages and facilitates the community involvement of employees, agents and retirees of New York Life through its Volunteers for Life program. To learn more, please visit the Foundation’s website a www.newyorklifefoundation.org.

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