For Green County families who lose a loved one to suicide or other sudden tragedy, a community-led "Box of Love" program offers comfort, connection, and vital resources to those who need it most.
Recently, longtime program supporter Jacob's SWAG Foundation announced its dissolution. To help keep the Boxes of Love program running, SSM Health Monroe Hospital, Green County Healthy Community Coalition's Mental Health Matters committee, and the Green County Coroner's Office came together to plan for its future.
Thanks to financial support from SSM Health Monroe Hospital, the Boxes of Love program will be sustainable for years to come. The Green County Coroner will continue to present each Box of Love, and the Mental Health Matters committee will provide additional support.
"As coroners, we are often the last responders and the people delivering devastating news," said Green County Coroner Monica Hack. "Families are overwhelmed, shocked and trying to process what has happened."
Each Box of Love includes local grief resources, books on healing, a healing stone, a seedling to plant in memory of a loved one, a lap blanket, and messages of hope. Approximately 20 Boxes of Love have already been distributed this year.
"The boxes remind families that they don't have to navigate their grief alone," Hack said.
Hack has seen the difference the boxes can make firsthand. Families frequently reach out to express gratitude, sharing how the comfort items and resources helped them through the earliest stages of grief.
"Some have even asked how they could help assemble boxes for other families facing similar losses," Hack said.
The program's impact is personal for many involved, including Teri Ellefson, founder of Jacob's SWAG Foundation. Ellefson lost her son, Jacob, and founded Jacob's SWAG Foundation to support mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and bullying prevention in the community. She started Boxes of Love program to ensure families know they are truly cared about.
"When Monica calls and asks for more boxes, it's sad because we know another family has experienced a loss," said Ellefson. "Our goal has always been to make sure people know that we're wrapping up our love and sending it their way."
Although ending the foundation was a difficult decision, Ellefson said she is grateful to see the Boxes of Love program continue.
"I'm honored that SSM Health and the Green County Coroner's Office are continuing what we started," Ellefson said. "I'm proud and excited to see the program continue to grow."
For community member Alyssa Jelle, receiving a Box of Love after the loss of her son was an unexpected source of comfort during an overwhelming time.
"You don't really know what you need in those first moments," said Jelle. "The box made me feel a little better and reminded me that other people had experienced this too."
Experiences like Jelle’s are exactly why community partners felt it was so important to continue the program. Mental Health Matters leaders say the program's continued success reflects the strength of Green County and the power of coming together to support neighbors.
"Grief can be incredibly isolating," said Jessica Marass of Green County Human Services and Ellie Lombardo of Green County Public Health. "The boxes connect families to support and remind them that their community cares."
Rachel Meier, Community Health Specialist at SSM Health Monroe Hospital, said continuing the Boxes of Love program aligns with the hospital's commitment to supporting mental health and community well-being.
"Grief affects every part of a person's well-being," said Meier. "We want families to feel seen, supported, and the Boxes of Love program is one way we can turn compassion into action and make a lasting impact."
