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.

Your Voice Matters 

Our research aims to include 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 and share your specific feedback.

Based on your responses, we may invite you to participate in a focus group or a one-on-one meeting to further explore your perspectives and experiences.

We will have a comprehensive survey coming in October and would appreciate your feedback — 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

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.

How long will this process take, and when will we see results?

The study is expected to take 1-2 years, beginning August 1, 2024. We'll provide updates throughout the process, but no funds will be distributed. Future funding decisions will be made by the Eau Claire Community Foundation and guided by any future restrictions or designations determined by HSHS.

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. 

Your voice, experiences, and insights are crucial in guiding the future of grief and related holistic healing services in our community. 

By participating in this research project, you're helping 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 simply care about the well-being of our community, your perspective matters.

Be a part of the solution.