The Legacy Project: Hope Grows Honors Hospice Caregivers Through Storytelling, Book, and Documentary

Hosted at the Iris Respite House in Moon Township, these complimentary half-day retreats (Saturday, November 8 • 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. and Wednesday, November 12 • 4:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.) offer caregivers a chance to rest, reflect, and reconnect through guided journaling, group dialogue, and creative expression. Participants will enjoy a nourishing meal, nature-inspired activities, and a self-care kit to continue their wellness journey at home. As of today, the Saturday retreat is full and nine of twelve retreat spots have been filled for Wednesday, underscoring the need for dedicated caregiver support spaces like this one.

Limited openings for Wednesday’s retreat remain; registration is available at www.hopegrows.org/legacyproject .

November is recognized nationally as National Family Caregivers Month, an observance led by the Caregiver Action Network to honor and support family and professional caregivers. The 2025 theme, “Plug-in to Care,” encourages connection, awareness, and support — values that Hope Grows embodies year-round through its programs and mission.

“Every hospice and family caregiver carries a story shaped by love, loss, and resilience,” said Lisa Story, MSCP, LPC, CT, Founder & Clinical Director of Hope Grows. “Through The Legacy Project, we’re helping them find community, meaning, and a voice that can inform more compassionate care for others.”

“This project bridges the gap between lived experience and professional care,” added Michelle Mikus, a Public Health Intern from the University of Massachusetts working with

Hope Grows. “Caregivers’ stories can guide hospice teams to provide more compassionate, person-centered support.”

The Legacy Project unfolds in three phases: these November retreats, followed by a book capturing caregiver reflections, and a documentary film that will bring their stories to a wider audience. Through this initiative, Hope Grows aims to inspire a deeper understanding of the caregiver journey — illuminating the love, loss, and hope that shape end-of-life care.

In recent research conducted through Michelle’s internship, 75% of hospice professionals surveyed reported caregiver burnout and unmet needs, underscoring the need for more holistic, nature-based programs like those at Hope Grows.

Community Support and Sponsorship
Hope Grows extends heartfelt gratitude to these sponsors: Elder Care Transitions, Express Employment Professionals Pittsburgh West, McKees Rocks Rotary Club, John F. Slater Funeral Home, Chuck & Lisa Story — In Honor of the Story Grandchildren, Denise Wickline, and two anonymous sponsors whose support made this retreat possible. Their generosity ensures caregivers, who give so much of themselves, have the opportunity to rest, reflect, and be cared for in return.

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About Hope Grows
Founded in 2010 by Lisa Story, MSCP, LPC, CT, Hope Grows is a nonprofit organization that inspires hope through nature while empowering family caregivers to seek wellness of mind, body, and spirit. Through respite care, counseling, support groups, and therapeutic gardens, Hope Grows creates spaces where caregivers and those grieving a loss can breathe, heal, and reconnect with themselves and nature. Learn more at www.hopegrows.org.

 

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