Foundation Contributes $25,000 Grant to Tidewell Foundation

August 17, 2021 – Sarasota

The Wilson-Wood Foundation has given a $25,000 grant to the Tidewell Foundation for Family Grief Counseling Outreach, which will sustain the launch of Tidewell’s Blue Butterfly Newtown program. This grant will help Tidewell Hospice provide greater access to free grief services for children and families living in one of the city’s oldest historically African American communities. 

Barriers such as transportation often limit minority families from being able to receive proper grief support following the loss of a loved one. Thanks to support from donors, the Tidewell Foundation is able to expand the reach of Tidewell’s evidence-based grief programs and services into Newtown. By expanding Tidewell’s Blue Butterfly program into the neighborhoods where they’re needed, Tidewell will be able to serve more youth and families.

“Tidewell’s Blue Butterfly program reaches underserved, grieving children and families in the Newtown community because of our donors,” said Tidewell Foundation President Debbie Mason. “We’re thankful for this support and the many years of support from the Wilson-Wood Foundation and for everyone who continues to donate to the Tidewell Foundation so that these vital grief services are free and accessible for our families.”

Tidewell’s Blue Butterfly is the only evidence-based program in our region that helps grieving children ages 5-18 and caregivers through professional counseling, peer-support groups and therapeutic activities. The free grief sessions bring children together who are experiencing the complex emotions that follow the loss of a loved one, creating opportunities to process these feelings without judgment while sharing stories that foster comfort and connectedness with others like them. Blue Butterfly peer-support groups are facilitated by grief specialists and trained volunteers who are equipped with the knowledge and skills to support children and families.

“Tidewell Hospice is a unique organization that assists people through their grief process,” said Susan Wood, executive director at Wilson-Wood Foundation. “Tidewell understands that grief is really a concept in which there isn’t any normal barometer. Their qualified and caring professionals accept one where they are at the time and help them express their feelings through many different avenues. Continual support is always provided, and their Blue Butterfly program assists children as well as their families through difficult times. Wilson-Wood Foundation is proud to partner with them in providing Outreach Support.”

To support Tidewell’s Blue Butterfly Newtown program and expansion efforts elsewhere in our region, visit tidewellfoundation.org or call 941-552-7546.