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Honoring the Grief Process
Your Insights Inform the Future
Informing the Future of Our Community
The Grief Services Research Project marks a significant step for our community as we examine the current state of grief support and related holistic healing services with a focus on identifying needs or gaps in service.
In the wake of HSHS hospitals' closure in Western Wisconsin, HSHS is initiating a thoughtful, community-driven process to assess the current delivery of grief support services and identify potential gaps in those services. Approximately $4.8 million from the Monsignor Klimek Healing Presence Endowment, The Healing Place Endowment, and Healing Place Funds have been transferred to the Eau Claire Community Foundation.
The Eau Claire Community Foundation will ensure these funds continue to be used to meet our region's needs. A determination of future designations for these funds is needed.
AMK Nonprofit Coaching LLC, led by Ann Kaiser, will conduct a comprehensive 1-2 year study to evaluate the current needs of our community regarding grief and related holistic healing services and present these findings to HSHS.
This process will include feasibility and financial analyses, offering multiple opportunities for community input through 1:1 meetings, focus groups, and a large-scale study. The results of this research project will be presented to HSHS to help them determine the best use of these funds.
We assure you that no funds will be distributed during this research phase, and no fundraising will take place. We aim to gather insights from diverse voices across our community to inform how funds will be distributed in a way that truly reflects our collective needs and seeks to honor the intentions of generous donors.
SURVEY UPDATES!!
SURVEY UPDATES!!
Research Project Updates: Community Response
Over 7OO individuals have shared their experiences with grief and loss, helping us better understand the support services needed in our region.
Your responses have provided invaluable insights about:
The types of grief support services accessed in our community
Barriers encountered when seeking help
Where additional services are needed
What resources have been most helpful
Next Steps
March and early April: We will review thousands of data points from individuals and organizations, considering the perspectives of those who have experienced grief, accessed services, provided services, and referred others to support those processing grief.
May - We will present the findings and summaries to HSHS, giving them time to disseminate the data.
June - Our goal is to provide community feedback and provide the next steps.
Your Voice Matters
Our research included voices from individuals across the community.
Someone who has used, is currently using, or may need grief support services in the future.
A past, current or potential volunteer, professional, organization, or provider offering grief support services.
An individual or organization passionate about ensuring these services are available in our community. (AMK will not be soliciting donations for any aspect of this project.)
A professional individual or organization who understands the need for grief support services and actively supports their provision, even if you’re not directly providing services.
Your Insights Are Invaluable To Us.
Please join our mailing list to stay up to date.
A response will be coming from HSHS in June— join the list and be the first to know when it’s available!
Hi, I’m Ann
Founder and Consultant of AMK Nonprofit Coaching.
I'm honored to guide our community through this important research project. My work in nonprofits spans over two decades, with a deep connection to our local health care and community support systems.
For 13 years, I served as the Foundation Director for HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital, where I was involved with The Healing Place and the establishment of the Monsignor Klimek Healing Presence Endowment.
This project is close to my heart. Having raised millions for our community and working closely with donors, volunteers, and those in need of support, I understand the emotional investment and trust placed in these funds.
While I can't promise the outcome, I assure you that this study will be conducted with the utmost respect, integrity, and compassion. My goal is to facilitate a process that not only gathers crucial information but also contributes to our community's healing journey

FAQs
When will the study findings be available?
The study findings and project summaries will be presented to HSHS in May. HSHS will provide a response back to the community in early June.
Is this project soliciting donations or granting funds?
No, this project is not soliciting donations or granting funds. It's a research study to assess community needs to help inform the best use of existing funds.
Are you starting a new nonprofit organization?
Not at this time. This is a research project to guide future decisions about grief and holistic healing services in our community.
Why is this study necessary? Can't you just continue the services that were previously offered?
The Healing Place was a department of Sacred Heart Hospital and, as such, no longer exists; it was not an independent nonprofit entity. HSHS initiated this study to ensure they fully understand the current services and community needs to make the most effective use of available resources. This research will help identify any gaps in services and potential new approaches to supporting our community.
I was a donor to The Healing Place or Monsignor Klimek Endowment. What's happening to my donation?
All funds are being transferred to the Eau Claire Community Foundation to be held safely until a decision is made based on the research project's results. This study will help ensure your donation continues to serve its intended purpose in our community. We deeply appreciate your past support and want to assure you that we are committed to honoring the spirit of your gift. The research process will help inform HSHS as they determine how the funds will be used to support needs in our community.
I still have questions you haven’t answered. Who shall I ask?
Absolutely. I want to make sure all your questions are answered. Please email info@griefservicesproject.com, and I’ll respond as quickly as I can.

The community’s voice, experiences, and insights have been crucial in guiding this study, which will also guide the future of grief and related holistic healing services in our community.
Participating in this research project, you’ve helped to guide the distribution of vital resources that can meet the evolving needs of our friends, family, and neighbors.
Whether you've been touched by grief, provided support, or cared about our community's well-being, your perspective has had an impact.
Be a part of the solution.