Wilbert Foundation Helps Fund St. Mary’s Pastoral Care Program

Grant Will Provide Comfort and Care to Special Needs Children & Their Families

St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children received a $9,144 grant from the Wilbert Foundation in support of St. Mary’s Pastoral Care Program which provides compassionate care and comfort to children and their families with special needs at St. Mary’s. The check was presented on Tuesday, February 16, by Norwalk Wilbert Vault Co. (Bridgeport, CT) Chief Executive Officer, Mark Bates.

The Wilbert Foundation provides crucial funds and resources for children and their families coping with the trauma of grief, death or preparation for surgery. Their generous donation will help patient families at St. Mary’s dealing with difficult situations, receive a full range of support services that will help enhance the healing process, reduce anxiety, alleviate feelings of anger, and promote comfort.

The grant will support St. Mary’s Annual Tree Planting Ceremony, a special memorial service to honor former patients, and fund Sibling Bags, a component of St. Mary’s C.A.R.E.S. Program (Compassion, Acceptance, Renewal, Empathy, Support), a program that provides the siblings of the patient with a tote bag filled with items to help them cope with their loss. Additionally, these critical funds will support other essential aspects of the Pastoral Care Program.

The children of St. Mary’s are challenged by a broad spectrum of conditions, including complications of premature birth, chronic health issues, and serious injury and accidents. St. Mary’s treats both the child as well as the family through a family-centered approach. Caregivers strive to provide the highest quality care supporting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of all family members. At the core of St. Mary’s mission is the belief that the road to healing includes the body, mind, and soul.

Through family discussions, peer group meetings, and special remembrance services, St. Mary’s compassionate healthcare professionals help all families during their time of need. Pastoral Care Services do not qualify for reimbursement by Medicaid or other private insurers but are at the very core of our mission.

St. Mary’s is deeply grateful to The Wilbert Foundation for their generous gift.