Our Story

We walk in our families’ shoes, without judgment. We allow each family to take as much time as they need, whether during enrollment or on the phone, and we never treat them like a number. We show our emotions and our humanity, laughing with them and, when needed, crying with them. We ask about their day because we genuinely care about them, their children, and their future.

We stay open to feedback and willingly accept our mistakes, because we never stop learning from each other or from our families. It doesn’t matter who gets the credit. What matters is that a family was helped. We listen more than we speak and ask questions to better understand. We say “thank you” often. We listen to and support others as they come into their own power and success. We don’t feel the need to control anyone; instead, we remain confident and centered on our purpose while allowing others to discover their strengths. We don’t do the work for recognition. We lead with humility, not ego.

As the leaders in the community providing grief-support services, we bring big energy to our attitudes and our smiles because we set the tone. We choose to believe the best in others and to look for the good in everyone. We think creatively, even hiring people whose backgrounds may differ from the rest of the team. We encourage one another and trust in each other’s potential. We view mistakes as learning opportunities. We avoid gossip and put-downs. We expect good things to unfold, even when we can’t yet see the outcome. We set aside personal negativity and aspire to fill the house with sunshine.

We practice blameless problem-solving. We stop what we’re doing to help, even when the task isn’t part of our department, and don’t say, “That’s not my job.” We support and lift one another up, even after setbacks. We keep our commitments and ensure that staff are properly trained and confident in their roles. We take the time to explain things clearly, honor our meetings with each other, and trust one another’s abilities without unnecessary questioning.

We never say, “But that’s how we’ve always done it.” We stay calm when last-minute group changes happen, and we understand that we may occasionally need to work a weekend. Flexibility is essential. Nothing is written in stone, and much of our work involves nuance rather than black-and-white answers. We make exceptions when they best serve the family, and we are always learning and growing. We go with the flow, knowing we won’t always have all the answers. We try new approaches, and if something doesn’t work, we treat it as a learning opportunity and pivot. Our organization is constantly evolving, and if someone is too rigid or unwilling to adapt, this may not be the right place for them.