Empowered to Give

Empath Health Women’s Giving Network (WGN) was formed in 2016 with 12 founding members joining together in philanthropy to bring extra care and support to the community. Today we have 47 amazing philanthropic members.

The group’s mission is to create or expand innovative programs and services of Empath Health. WGN members meet annually to evaluate and select grants for specialized areas of need that fall outside of reimbursed care and otherwise may not be funded. Grant funding is drawn from the group’s pooled membership contributions and distributed through Suncoast Hospice Foundation.

Throughout the year, mission-based social events enable current members to learn more about the services provided by the Empath Health network of programs while getting to know each other and introducing the WGN to potential members.

Membership Requirements

• Commit to a minimum $1,000 contribution each year
• Fund and award grants for programs and services with no reimbursed sources
• Be an ambassador for Empath Health

Empath Health’s WGN and other caring supporters in the community are vital to ensuring our care and services continue today and in the future.

Examples of WGN Funded Projects

Wound Treatment Training: The WGN grant provided 12 Empath clinicians the opportunity to complete their Wound Treatment Associate (WTA) certification. WTAs function as an integral member of the wound care team.

Sewing Volunteers: The WGN grant allowed the Volunteer Department to purchase additional sewing supplies so volunteers could continue to make gifts such as neck pillows, catheter bag covers, caps and memory bears for patients, participants, clients and families.

Legacy Keepsake Family Photo Shoots: The WGN grant funded 10 pediatric patient photo sessions so families will always have beautiful and treasured images of their child and family.

End-of-Life Doula Training for Volunteers: The WGN grant allowed the Volunteer Department to include end-of-life doula training from INELDA (International End-of-Life Doula Association). The grant also helped create in-house training resources such as a vigil plan workbook.

Healing Hearts Grief Camp: The WGN grant helped Empath Grief Care host two Healing Hearts Grief Camps. The Healing Hearts Grief Camp provides grief counseling in a camp format for African American children ages 8-13 who have experienced the loss of a loved one.

Join Now

For more information or to become a member of the Women’s Giving Network,
contact Brooke Boccacino at (727) 523-3352 or email BrookeBoccacino@EmpathHealth.org.