HOPE For Bereaved, Inc.

On Friday, we had the pleasure of hosting HR professionals from Community Bank, N.A. for a day filled with art, dogs, and community spirit! These six incredible women volunteered their time to transform six donation boxes (previously used at another event) into beautiful birdhouses! The day began with a tour of HOPE, where they learned about our mission and how we support the bereaved in Central New York. Guided by our volunteer, Oscar, they spent the rest of the morning unleashing their creativity! Armed with blue, red, yellow, and white paint, they mixed colors to create vibrant pinks, purples, and greens. The designs they created ranged from simple to detailed, and they were all bright, beautiful, and full of HOPE. Their creativity truly impressed us! These birdhouses will soon be hung at the Center of HOPE and the Butterfly Garden of HOPE in Liverpool. Stay tuned for their exact locations! A huge THANK YOU to Community Bank, for partnering with us and making this fun project possible!

We're excited to welcome back a long-time partner - HEA Appraisal - as a Platinum sponsor for our 2024 Remembrance Run/Walk! HEA offers damage inspection and appraisal services. They focus on the customer first and hold strong in their value of delivering high-quality services. Their goal is simple - to produce a timely and accurate product for their client. If you'd like to learn more about their services, visit their website: www.hea-appraisal.com Thank you for your continued support of the bereaved in CNY!!!

Excellus BCBS is our 2024 Garden of HOPE sponsors... but they are SO MUCH more than that! This morning, a crew of 20+ volunteers from all over CNY showed up to volunteer their time for the annual beautification of the garden. They spread mulch, planted annuals, weed whacked, picked up trash, and more! 🌷🌺🌸🌼 What a way to spend such a gorgeous day! 🌞 HOPE For Bereaved, Inc. and Excellus BCBS have been partnering in this way for almost two decades! Like us, they are dedicated to helping their local community and its members. We are so GRATEFUL for this partnership. Thank you to the employees who showed up to help today - know that you are making a difference in the lives of those grieving in CNY 🙏💚

Last week we had a blast with the Syracuse Mets Baseball Club talking about the mission of HOPE and making one of our kiddos dreams come true! Thank you to Kelly Ocampo for arranging this awesome event! Thank you to Ruth Shirley, Margi Doran, and Oscar Ocampo for volunteering in the frigid weather! 🥶 💙 💨 Thank you to Julie Corn + family for coming out and showing HOPE so much love! 💓🥰❤️ Congrats to our friend Sam for his bravery in throwing out the first pitch AND being the only one to make it to the catcher! 🥳⚾️💪

As Volunteer Appreciation Month comes to a close, we reflect on the incredible dedication and generosity of our volunteers. HOPE for Bereaved is so very grateful for you! Throughout the month, we've highlighted the contributions of some of these individuals. However, we also want to acknowledge the numerous other individuals who were not showcased whose support is equally vital in keeping HOPE for Bereaved thriving. To each and every person who plays a role in our mission, whether behind the scenes or on the front lines, we extend our deepest gratitude. If you've been inspired by the spirit of volunteerism, we invite you to explore opportunities to get involved and make a difference in the lives of those navigating grief.

Meet Deb Lane! Deb’s journey with HOPE for Bereaved began following the devastating loss of her granddaughter at just 6 months old. Deb knows the heartbreak of loss and is committed to helping others through their grief journey. For the past two years, Deb has been a volunteer counselor and is an invaluable member of our team. She brings compassion, empathy, and understanding to every interaction. When Deb isn't lending her expertise to support our community, you can find her indulging in her diverse range of hobbies. Yet, her favorite pastime is undoubtedly spending quality time with her beloved family. Driven by her passion for helping others, Deb is an advocate for people with disabilities and a beacon of support for anyone in need. She exemplifies the spirit of HOPE. Deb – thank you for inspiring us all to stand tall and support one another through life's most challenging moments.

We hosted our inaugural Volunteer Orientation last night. Sorry, no pictures - the conversations were TOO good! We're so excited by this group and what they will add to our mission of supporting the grieving in CNY! #volunteerappreciationmonth #volunteertraining #volunteerorientation #hope

Meet Tim Grobsmith! His journey with HOPE began following the loss of his mother when he was just 13 years old. He first attended a support group in 1997 and returned in 2010, finding solace and strength in the community. Driven by his desire to transform his own experiences into a source of support for others, Tim took on the role of co-facilitator for the Friends and Family Support Group three years ago. His commitment to HOPE stems from a desire to honor his late mother and to pay tribute to all those he has lost over the years. Outside of his volunteer role with HOPE, Tim plays paintball and enjoys local events like Canal Days. Tim prioritizes his family and friends and strives to support and protect those around him. Tim – thank you for your reliability, openness, and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in as many lives as possible.

Meet Jo Beth Serling Lehrer! Her journey with HOPE began in 2010, following the loss of her husband Dave, when she attended the widow/widower support group. Since then, JoBeth has taken part in numerous HOPE initiatives, from mailings to committees. She is integral in HOPE’s largest fundraiser, the annual Celebration of HOPE. As the "Artist in Residence," JoBeth's creative flair enriches HOPE’s mission. She has been involved in multiple art projects, including the Youth Room mural, our memorial boards, and the driveway dedication. Alongside her commitment to HOPE, JoBeth has a passion for her family, art, and gardens. She is a lover of coffee and occasional tea. JoBeth – thank you for your years of dedication, loyalty, and creativity!

We're excited to announce the Alzheimer's Association, Central New York Chapter as the Presenting Sponsor for our 2024 Tournament of HOPE! The Alzheimer's Association is dedicated to leading the charge against Alzheimer's and dementia through global research, risk reduction, and quality care. We are thrilled with this partnership because HOPE and the Alzheimer's Association, CNY Chapter share a mutual commitment to offering quality care and support to our community. Our shared vision of a stronger, more resilient community is evidenced in this collaboration. Interested in getting involved with our golf tournament? Details and registration can be found on our website - see comments for link.