BRCE OFFERS THE FOLLOWING SERVICES: Someone to talk to, someone who will listen and understands Grief support groups Individual support visits Facilitator training courses Videos and book loan library Christmas services for the bereaved Educational presentations about healthy grieving for the general public or for special groups Assistance with referrals for professional counselling Participates in annual “Fantasy of Lights” in Pinafore Park, St. Thomas with the memorial Christmas tree, “Tree of Lights” at the Memory Wall

BOARD MEMBERS:

Past Chair – Katharine Enns
Chair – Jennie Carswell
Vice Chair -  Deborah Philips
Secretary/Treasurer – Patricia Strong
Patricia Ridell-Laemers
Rev. Jim Innes
Russ Strathdee

BACKGROUND:

The Bereavement Resource Council of Elgin (BRCE) was founded in 1990 by a group of health care and social services providers in Elgin County, in response to the lack of supports and resources for the bereaved. The BRCE has evolved from a service provider to a volunteer driven organization. From the outset, the Elgin-St. Thomas United Way has been the primary source of funding for BRCE. In 2003-04, The Ontario Trillium Foundation provided a $12,000 grant to expand programmes and services in East and West Elgin.