Letter of the Day: Under SAY, grief services could thrive

Editor, Index-Tribune:

Many people have asked me about the future of WillMar Center and SAY’s role in taking WillMar’s grief and loss services under its wings. While I have not been involved or affiliated with WillMar for more than seven years, I have watched with concern and interest. To clarify for the community, WillMar Center as its own nonprofit entity no longer exists, but thanks to Social Advocates for Youth (SAY), grief services for children and adults in Sonoma continue.

We often hear the expression, “It takes a village.” In our times, it often takes several villages to care for others near and far, to instill beauty and hope.

Social Advocates for Youth is doing just that. A countywide nonprofit organization, SAY was founded in 1971, with a long history of creating and managing successful programs supporting youth and families. For decades, they have demonstrated passion and prowess in promoting resilience and healing for all people.

SAY took a chance, leapt with great faith and heart, to prevent those dealing with loss from being forgotten. My husband, Howard, WillMar’s co-founder, and I have met with Matt Martin, executive director of SAY, and members of his quality team. We are encouraged by the professional and caring approach of SAY WillMar Services at all levels of the organization. We are hopeful that under its stewardship, thoughtful services will not only continue but will thrive.

Those directing SAY’s WillMar programs have been working hard to maintain and improve grief and loss services and to reestablish positive connections in Sonoma. I believe it will not be long before confidence in these services is restored. Key educational leaders in our community are already referring grieving children to Say WillMar Services.

Losses are rapidly rising and affecting youth everywhere. I am thankful SAY has stepped in to support Sonoma’s grieving populations, meeting the growing and complicated demands of our culture. SAY’s strong, creative team will surely take WillMar Services in new directions; I am eager to see this unfold with the possibilities, love and service SAY values. I wish them great success!

Nina S. Gorbach

Founder, WillMar Center for Bereaved Children

Editor’s note: Social Advocates for Youth is holding a “State of the Union” event on Oct. 14 at 5:30 p.m. at Gloria Ferrer Caves and Vineyards to discuss SAY’s continuation of WillMar grief services. Supporters of WillMar’s grief services programming are invited to attend. Public RSVPs should go to stephanie@saysc.org. Event highlights include: presentation and discussion about the program, sustainability plans for the program and to introduce new staff.