Hospice Savannah Program Earns National Recognition from Mutual of America

NEW YORK, April 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Hospice Savannah will be recognized by Mutual of America for its We the Living program during a special hometown luncheon and award presentation at the Perry Lane Ballroom in Savannah today at 12:00 p.m. The program was named a Merit Finalist Award recipient in the Mutual of America 2018 Community Partnership Award competition, which received entries from organizations nationwide.

In 2016, when Savannah's homicide rate spiked due to gang-related violence, Hospice Savannah – which provides hospice care and bereavement services to families in Greater Savannah – took the lead in creating We the Living, a children's grief and violence support network that addresses the unique needs of children who have lost a loved one to violence.

We the Living support groups are led by master's-level counselors trained in childhood trauma. Their work is supported by a music therapist, who teaches children how music can be an effective tool for channeling emotions. Partners include Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, the Chatham County Victim Witness Assistance Program and the Savannah Metropolitan Police, who provide essential help in identifying youth impacted by violence, advocate on behalf of grief counseling, and encourage parents and caretakers to take steps toward healing for their children.

"Together, our partnership is helping to ensure our community is equipped to address trauma related grief," said Jamey Espina, Vice President, Development and Community Services. "To-date, we have trained nearly 100 staff members, school counselors, social workers and volunteers to provide support. Our program outcomes are significant, measurable and meaningful, with participants demonstrating improvement in key areas such as feeling supported, decreased fear and a reduction in loneliness."

About the Mutual of America Community Partnership Award
The Mutual of America Community Partnership Award annually honors the outstanding contributions that nonprofit organizations, in partnership with public, private and other social sector organizations, make to society. Since 1996, the Community Partnership Award has recognized 230 partnerships from cities and towns across America. To watch videos of all of the national award-winning programs, visit the Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award channel on YouTube.

About Mutual of America
Mutual of America is a leading provider of retirement products, offering personalized service at a competitive price to help plan participants and individuals build and preserve assets for a financially secure future. Integrity, prudence and reliability are the values that have guided us since our inception in 1945 and that continue to serve us well. For more information, visit mutualofamerica.com, and connect with us via Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Mutual of America

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