Oceanside CA— The Elizabeth Hospice, a nonprofit healthcare leader serving San Diego County and Southwest Riverside County, is honored to be the recipient of a $20,000 Community Impact Grant from New York Life. The funds will enable The Elizabeth Hospice to continue to provide free peer-based support groups for children and teens, ages 3-17, who are grieving the death of their special person. These support groups are being conducted virtually via Zoom until the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.
According to a poll conducted by the New York Life Foundation/National Alliance for Grieving Children, 76% of children said groups provide a safe, confident place where children can share their feelings, thoughts, and stories as they process their grief.
“We are grateful for New York Life’s investment in The Elizabeth Hospice, which will change many lives for the better,” said Sarah McSpadden, President & Chief Executive Officer of The Elizabeth Hospice. “Without support from New York Life, we wouldn’t be able to continue to make our grief support services available free of charge to all grieving children and teens in our community. These groups provide an opportunity for children to meet and connect with peers who are dealing with similar challenges.”
“I’m proud to work for a company that encourages its agents and employees to devote their time, energy and talents to support the needs and priorities of their local community,” said Jennifer Hickson, Service Leader, New York Life Insurance Company, San Diego. “We are pleased that our partnership with The Elizabeth Hospice will have a long-lasting impact on the lives of grieving children and families served by their Children’s Bereavement Program.”
The Community Impact Grant program awards grants to local nonprofit organizations which are championed by New York Life agents and employees to serve the needs of their local communities. Since the program’s inception in 2008, more than 500 grants totaling nearly $7 million have been awarded to nonprofits across the country.

About The Elizabeth Hospice

The Elizabeth Hospice, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit healthcare leader, provides medical, emotional and spiritual support to children and adults facing the challenges associated with a life-limiting illness, and restores hope to grieving children and adults who are feeling lost and alone. Since 1978, The Elizabeth Hospice has touched the lives of more than 115,000 people in San Diego County and Southwest Riverside County. The Elizabeth Hospice has earned the Gold Seal of Approval by The Joint Commission and is a member of the California Hospice and Palliative Care Association and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. To learn more, call 800-797-2050 or visit elizabethhospice.org.