New York Life has a long-term commitment to a difficult issue: childhood bereavement. As a life insurance company, aligning with bereavement is entirely authentic, and the company has made great strides to provide support and comfort to grieving children and their families.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the issue of bereavement has only become more acute. Heather Nesle, President of New York Life Foundation, Vice President Corporate Responsibility and Maria Collins, Vice President of New York Life Foundation, joined Purpose 360 to talk about New York Life’s innovative efforts to give back during COVID-19.
Listen for Heather and Maria’s insights on:
- How New York Life quickly scaled up The Brave of Heart Fund, a $100 million joint initiative with Cigna to provide cash and mental health resources to the family members of essential workers who have died of COVID-19.
- Why New York Life created The Golden Sweater, a children’s picture book (with accompanying resources) that helps children cope with the bereavement journey.
- How New York Life is going above and beyond to provide COVID-19 support services to employees, customers, and their loved ones—from expert Q&As to resources to ease social isolation.
Links & Notes
- About New York Life
- New York Life Foundation
- NYL Bereavement Resources
- The Brave of Heart Fund
- The Golden Sweater
- “Speaking Grief” Documentary
- Connect with Heather Nesle on LinkedIn
- Connect with Maria Collins on LinkedIn
- Previous Episode: New York Life on Purpose 360
- (00:00) – Welcome to Purpose 360
- (00:55) – Heather Nesle and Maria Collins – New York Life
- (02:21) – Social Purpose Focus and Who New York Life Is
- (04:33) – Brave of Heart Fund & Cigna Partnership
- (06:33) – Pivoting to Create the Idea
- (08:25) – When They’ll Distribute Funds
- (09:29) – Bringing Their Knowledge to Help People
- (14:01) – Top Recommendations
- (18:32) – Insights Into Activating Their Purpose More Powerfully
- (21:32) – Grief as Integrated Part of Culture
- (22:47) – The Golden Sweater
