EAU CLAIRE, WI – January 31st, 2025 —The Grief Services Research Project is coming to a close and will receive its final community input by February 28. Throughout the past 9 months, feedback has been gathered from hundreds of individuals, agencies, and organizations with regard to the adequacy of, and need for, grief and loss support services in our region. The greatest number of responses came from a survey of over 700 individuals across the Chippewa Valley, providing invaluable insights into existing grief support services and identifying gaps in care.
However, early data reveals that voices from traditionally underrepresented communities, including individuals living in low to middle-income households, people from rural communities, people of color, and individuals not affiliated with a traditional faith community, remain underrepresented.
“We’ve learned so much from the community so far,” says Ann Kaiser, founder of AMK Nonprofit Coaching, LLC. “But to create equitable and effective solutions, we need to hear from those who face the greatest barriers to grief support, including those who may not have access to traditional counseling services.”
Call for Broader Community Input:
The results of these surveys will help guide how a $4.8 million endowment at the Eau Claire Community Foundation is allocated—providing $160,000 annually for grief and holistic healing services. To ensure that these funds meet the diverse needs of the community, the project is seeking additional input, particularly from:
- Traditionally underrepresented communities, which include individuals:
- Living in low to middle-income households
- In rural communities
- Of color
- And not affiliated with a traditional faith community
- Service Providers and Professional Advocates
Community members, service providers, and professional advocates are encouraged to participate in the survey below that best fits them, which takes less than 10 minutes to complete.
● Service Providers Survey: https://forms.gle/SRFrnQMJsjqqGEud7
● Professional Advocates Survey: https://forms.gle/Sf2LUU3TLqUACVi76
● General Community Input: https://forms.gle/4A2bADJvggZerLfD9
For those unable to complete the survey, insights can also be shared via email at info@griefservicesproject.com.
Background
The Grief Services Research Project was launched in 2024 in response to the closure of HSHS hospitals in Western Wisconsin. Funds from the Monsignor Klimek Healing Presence Endowment, The Healing Place Endowment, and Healing Place Funds were transferred to the Eau Claire Community Foundation. The research, conducted by AMK Nonprot Coaching, LLC, will conclude in May 2025, with ndings informing how these funds are allocated to address community needs.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of grief support services in our region,” Kaiser adds. “We want to ensure every voice is heard, especially those who need it most.”
About AMK Nonprofit Coaching
AMK Nonprofit Coaching, based in Eau Claire, specializes in nonprofit management and strategic planning. Ann Kaiser, owner of AMK, has extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, including 13 years as Foundation Director for HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital.
