We the Living Program Named a Mutual of America 2018 Community Partnership Award Winner

NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Mutual of America announced today that We the Living was named a Merit Finalist award recipient of its 2018 Community Partnership Award competition.

In 2016, when Savannah's homicide rate spiked due to gang-related violence, Hospice Savannah ? which provides hospice care and bereavement services to families in Greater Savannah ? took the lead in creating We the Living, a children's grief and violence support network that addresses the unique needs of children who have lost a loved one to violence.

We the Living support groups are led by master's-level counselors trained in childhood trauma. Their work is supported by a music therapist, who teaches children how music can be an effective tool for channeling emotions. Partners include Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, the Chatham County Victim Witness Assistance Program and the Savannah Metropolitan Police, who provide essential help in identifying youth impacted by violence, advocate on behalf of grief counseling, and encourage parents and caretakers to take steps toward healing for their children.

"Together, our partnership is helping to ensure our community is equipped to address trauma related grief," said Jamey Espina, Vice President, Development and Community Services. "To-date, we have trained nearly 100 staff members, school counselors, social workers and volunteers to provide support. Our program outcomes are significant, measurable and meaningful, with participants demonstrating improvement in key areas such as feeling supported, decreased fear and a reduction in loneliness."

About the Mutual of America Community Partnership Award

The Mutual of America Community Partnership Award annually honors the outstanding contributions that nonprofit organizations, in partnership with public, private and other social sector organizations, make to society. Since 1996, the Community Partnership Award has recognized 230 partnerships from cities and towns across America. To watch videos of all of the national award-winning programs, visit the Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award channel on YouTube.

About Mutual of America

Mutual of America has specialized in providing retirement products and related services to organizations and their employees, as well as individuals, for over 70 years. As a mutual company, we do not have stockholders and are not publicly traded. We operate solely for the benefit of our customers, managing the Company for their long-term interest, rather than for the short-term demands of stockholders.

Mutual of America is a leading provider of retirement products, offering personalized service at a competitive price to help plan participants and individuals build and preserve assets for a financially secure future. Integrity, prudence, and reliability are the values that have guided us since our inception and that continue to serve us well. For more information, please visit us at mutualofamerica.com.

SOURCE Mutual of America