Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Volunteer Connects the Bereaved to Grief Support

Mary "Missy" Wolf
Mary “Missy” Wolf reaches out to support those who've had loved ones die in our care. As one of our bereavement support volunteers, Missy makes 12 to 15 calls monthly from her home to the bereaved six or nine months after the deaths. She finds out how they're doing and lets them know we're here to help.

“I love that Suncoast Hospice care is all inclusive helping patients and the families. A lot of times people want to talk after a death but others around them don’t want to talk about it. They may feel isolated or lost. We give them an open invitation to receive our grief support if they want to participate,” Missy said.

Missy works full time for a commercial realtor’s office and has children. She began her volunteer service with our Suncoast Hospice Foundation in 2004, including doing ambassador calls to thank donors and special events, which help support the care and services we provide. She then joined us doing patient and family support and bereavement support.

She makes many bereavement calls on weekends when she feels people are in more relaxed settings and may follow up with them during the week. She enjoys making that connection.

“Most people I speak with are so appreciative of the care their loved ones received from Suncoast Hospice and appreciate that I’ve called, even if they don’t feel they need any help at that time. I find it rewarding to check in with them so they know they’re not forgotten. After my mother died and having a baby, I didn’t really have the ability to talk to anyone professionally and I was left to deal with my grief alone. It’s nice for people to know that someone is going to call them and ask how things are going,” she said.

Interested in becoming a bereavement support volunteer? Submit an online volunteer application or call 727-586-4432.

Are you hurting from the loss of a family member or friend? Join us for support at our groups or workshops.

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