During the recent Kosciusko County Commissioners meeting held on August 26, 2025, Mary Shankster, the Chief Development Officer for Stillwater Hospice, delivered a comprehensive quarterly report highlighting the organization's significant contributions to the community during the second quarter of 2025.

Shankster reported that Stillwater Hospice, the only nonprofit hospice provider in Kosciusko County, served 67 hospice patients, totaling over 2,226 days of care. The organization also provided palliative care consults to 14 residents, emphasizing its commitment to community-based support. Notably, Stillwater Hospice offers grief support services at no charge, a unique aspect that distinguishes it from other providers in the area. In the second quarter alone, the organization reached out to 184 residents for bereavement support and conducted individual grief counseling sessions for six individuals, totaling 18 sessions.

The report underscored the emotional toll faced by community members, detailing various losses experienced by those receiving counseling, including deaths due to COVID-19, cancer, and chronic diseases. Shankster also mentioned the Peggy F. Murphy Community Grief Center in Fort Wayne, which serves a broader area, providing additional resources for those in need.

Financially, Shankster highlighted the operational costs of the grief center, which exceed $550,000 annually, and expressed gratitude for the community's ongoing support. She noted that Kosciusko County had the second-highest utilization of hospice home services among the 12 counties served by Stillwater, reflecting a growing need for such services.

The meeting concluded with appreciation for Stillwater Hospice's impact on the community, reinforcing the importance of nonprofit organizations in providing essential health and emotional support services. As the county looks ahead, the discussions emphasized the need for continued support and funding to sustain these vital services in the face of increasing demand.