Published on October 18, 2018
David Neese, thank you for your twenty years of service to Alive, and, more importantly, thank you for being a friend.
At Alive, we think about our work in terms of a calling, not just a career. We are touched by the lives of all who pass through our care, and we rely on our colleagues to be there for us day in and day out. These relationships are an integral part of our support network, and many of them last a lifetime.
David Neese has been one of those lifetime friends for me. I met David for the first time when he came to work at Alive on a part-time basis after graduate school. We remained friends when he went on to accept a full-time therapist position with Family and Children’s Service. I was delighted to invite him back to Alive in 2001 when a full-time position became available in the Grief Center.
As a leader, David has been both inspiring and compassionate. He never loses sight of how incredibly meaningful and fulfilling this work is, even at its most difficult. His love for being part of a team caring for people at one of the most challenging times in their lives is something we all have felt and been supported by.
Many Alive supporters know David through the Memorial Service he leads at Alive every other month. His personal investment and thoughtful style of leadership transformed this event into an incredibly meaningful experience. Over the years, he has served thousands who needed to remember a loved one.
In the 43 years since Alive was founded, our Grief Center has grown from one part-time grief counselor to seven full-time counselors, two part-time counselors, and a full-time intake coordinator. David’s service and leadership have been integral to bringing about this growth. After two decades, David is ready for the next chapter in his life.
David Neese, thank you for your twenty years of service to Alive, and, more importantly, thank you for being a friend.
Give the Gift of Healing to Honor David Neese’s Legacy
David has touched the lives of so many during his twenty-year tenure at Alive. Many of those who have had the pleasure of working with him have asked us how they can pay tribute. We invite you to make a donation in honor of David to help bring our grief support to all who need it. Alive’s grief support is one of the heavily subsidized services we make available to the entire community, not just those who had a family member or loved one in our care. No one is turned away due to an inability to pay. Our team of professional counselors are highly skilled at helping people find their way through grief. Make a gift today to help bring healing to those who have lost someone.