Prior to the onset of the pandemic, Stage Management was in the planning phases to dedicate resources to employ a full-time in-house chaplain. Seeing firsthand the grief and struggles of residents, their families and staff at our communities experience on a daily basis required a significant shift in the support that we offered. Today, Rev. Dr. Hugo Venegas is able to build personal relationships with each member of our community (whether residing with us or employed at one of our communities) so that when grief, sadness or life hardships present themselves; our community feels comfortable approaching Hugo with their situation.

The results that have been experienced through Hugo’s work inside our communities can not be quantified. Mental health has become a topic of discussion in many arenas in today’s world which has led to far more individuals being able to identify the need for support and providing an in-house resource has helped countless individuals be able to work toward addressing their grief in positive ways.