September 2019

Page A4 SEPTEMBER 2019 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS S ec t i on A www.PlotExchange . com Free Ad Offer Buy - Sell - Trade No Sales Commissions No Broker Fees America’s Internet Publication to Buy or Sell Cemetery Plots and Graves ONLINE SERVICE SINCE 1999 email: office@plotexchange.com (949) 443-0905 By Nancy Weil Let’s Share about Aftercare The funeral ran without a hitch. The service and interment were smooth and trouble free. The family is on to their funeral meal with their fam- ily and friends. Our job is done. Another suc- cessful funeral and burial has taken place. Noth- ing left to do but a little paperwork and putting down grass seed. We go home with the satisfac- tion of knowing that we have helped another family during a difficult time and secure in the thought that they will turn to us again when our services are needed. This is the approach many funeral homes and cemeteries take. Work with a family for a short, intensive moment in time and then on to the next family who calls. The family may appreci- ate your kind support and caring professionalism, but what if you could take it a step further? What if you could create lasting relationships with those you serve? What if you would be the place on their lips when talking to their family and friends about where to go for support through the entire grieving process? Even better, what if you could build relationships with area churches, hospitals, hospices and other professionals? Free positive Random Musings publicity? Yep. Access to a wide variety of groups? Uh huh. Build your pre-need lead list? Certainly. Feel good knowing you are doing the right thing? Absolutely. I have been doing just that at the cemeteries and funeral home where I worked. I now run a telephone grief support group for OGR members to offer to their families. Since 2009, my grief support programs have reached over 15,000 members of the communities where I have lived. We have been featured on television, radio and in print. Business has grown and commu- nity connections deepened. To be honest, I do not understand why every funeral home and cemetery does not offer some level of aftercare. Whether it is through a traditional support group run by a staff member or a trained facilitator, a community remem- brance service for the holidays, a butterfly release or even a cof- fee club, it is not what you offer, but that you offer something. Getting started is not as difficult as you think because you have a secret weapon…me. Let me guide you with the resources I have developed over the years. Let’s talk about your demo- graphics, your goals and what you would like to offer beyond a list of grief resources on your website (hint: I have an updat- ed one of those, too!) After all of the years that you have been reading my column, I think we have formed a relationship of sorts. One in which you should not feel like you are bothering me if you give me a call (716-908-9154) or shoot me an e-mail (nweil@ogr.org) . We’re friends and that is what friends do for one another. There will be no charge, no strings, just a conversation be- tween funeral professionals who want to help peo- ple who are mourning the loss of their loved one. I will wrap up with words of wisdom from the great, Katharine Hepburn, who said, “Life is hard. After all, it kills you.” So remember that while life may be hard, starting an aftercare program doesn’t have to be. www.nomispublications.com Funeral Home & Cemetery News Contributors share insights and exchange ideas. B logs Serving as Member Resources Director at the International Order of the Golden Rule, Nancy Weil brings her years of ex- perience working in the funeral industry to funeral directors across the globe. Her professional experience includes serving as Director of Grief Support and Community Outreach at Vet- erans Funeral Care in Clearwater, FL and at eleven cemeteries in Western New York. Nancy travels throughout the country offering presentations on how to reduce stress, combat compassion fatigue and offer support for those who are grieving through her company, The Laugh Academy. With certifications as a Grief Services Provider and Grief Man- agement Specialist, Funeral Celebrant, Soul Injury Ambassador and Laughter Leader, Nancy is uniquely qualified to bring new perspectives into how to best meet the needs of the families you serve. For more information on how Nancy can help you and your company grow, visit her website: www.TheLaughAcademy.com or e-mail Nancy@TheLaughAcademy.com. burial with Brown Funeral Home and Cre- mation Services in Niles, MI. The funeral home received a call from two of Wilson’s closest friends asking for a small memorial service. Tim Brown, the first generation own- er, knew Wilson deserved more. He sug- gested a service at the cemetery with the whole local community invited. Brown called upon his young intern, Drew Mikel and the entire staff, to issue the call to the community of Niles. A press release and an online appeal went out to recognize this Vietnam veteran’s service. The incoming phone calls started. Not just from Niles and not just from Michigan. Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Ser- vices never expected that more than 1000 people from several states would attend in- cluding 150 motorcyclists who led the pro- cession to Silverbrook Cemetery. During the service, Wilson received full military honors and a salute from the American Le- gion Post 51 of Buchanan, MI. Niles Mayor Nick Shelton said, “Wilson’s legacy will be an example for all veterans, es- pecially thosemen andwomenwho feel alone or feel like there is no one left in their corner. You are not alone. We are here for you.” Brown commented, “It was a great day for renewing faith in our community, pride of country and the importance of the funeral service. Our entire staff was honored to be part of this.” Wilson’s memorial service was covered by all the local news services and was quickly routed to all the major television networks. A fitting tribute where people took notice, felt good and the Heartland of America was there. Vietnam Veteran honored by more than 1000 People NILES,MI— Wayne “Sarge” Wilson, a 67 year old Viet- nam Veteran, died on May 28 th . Wilson had no family but had made pre-arrange- ments for cremation and S E N D U S Y O U R N E W S ! PO Box 5159, Youngstown, OH 44514 1-800-321-7479 info@nomispublications.com