East End Hospice Bereavement Coordinator Jean L. Behrens, LCSW-R, reflects on the compassion of our bereavement call volunteers
Susan Bloom, Susan Holmes, Tricia Brandt, Louise Cox, Maria Cunneen, Peggy DeMayo, Lee Foster, Robin Gage, Anastasia Gochnour, Amy Juchatz, Lynn Leaden, Kathy Menikos, Phil Metzger, Meagan O’Connell, Ellen Pearlman, Loretta Privett, Maureen Riordan, Faye Robins, Elizabeth Shane, Patti Sheehan, Terry Sinopoli, Judy Simon, Sharon Spike and Pamela Tietjen are just some of the dedicated bereavement volunteers who reach out to hospice families after the loss of a loved one.
Each month, our bereavement office makes over 150 calls to check in on “our people.” These calls may come one month, two months, or even six months after a death—each one offering a gentle reminder that no one is alone in their grief. Behind this remarkable effort is our volunteer coordinator, Susan DiSario, whose thoughtful and intuitive approach to matching volunteers with this important work makes all the difference.
What these volunteers offer is something deeply meaningful: time, presence, and genuine compassion. Their calls are not the casual “How are you?” exchanges we often experience in passing. Instead, they open the door to honest conversation—creating space for people to share how they are truly feeling. Many of these conversations become long, heartfelt exchanges, where stories are told, memories are honored, and emotions—both joyful and painful—are given room to breathe.
Volunteers often hear about the love and support families are receiving, as well as the challenges—moments when support feels absent, or expectations go unmet. In every case, the simple act of listening becomes a powerful gift. Sometimes, after a call, we receive a message of gratitude: “Thank you. I didn’t realize how much I needed that.”
Occasionally, someone may ask us to stop calling. We view this as a positive sign—it often means they are doing well. Others will kindly say that someone else may need the call more than they do. These responses, too, reflect the resilience and generosity of the people we serve.
Our bereavement volunteers are an essential part of the work we do at the Zinberg Family Bereavement Center. Their compassion and commitment allow us to extend our care far beyond what would otherwise be possible.
We were reminded of their importance during COVID, when volunteers were unable to make calls, and our social workers took on this responsibility in addition to their already demanding roles. While necessary, it underscored just how vital our volunteers are. Rebuilding our call team took time, but today it is stronger than ever.
Jessica Dunn, LCSW, and I have the privilege of overseeing this program each month. We are continually inspired by the courage and generosity it takes to pick up the phone and offer comfort to someone in need.
This work requires a special kind of strength—one rooted in empathy, patience, and quiet dedication. And yet, when thanked, our volunteers almost always respond the same way: “It’s our pleasure.”
