The Congregational Care Network (CCN) at IU Health helps connect patients and families with community-based support after they leave the hospital.
Through partnerships with local congregations, chaplains and community organizations, CCN provides companionship, resources and practical support that can make a meaningful difference during recovery and life's transitions. The stories below highlight the impact of those connections and the people who make them possible.
After completing CCN companionship training, one volunteer connector—a trained volunteer who provides supportive companionship—shared that she was still discovering whether the program was the right fit for her. She wanted guidance on how to begin conversations with a companion, an IU Health patient participating in CCN.
A CCN team member followed up to understand what support would be helpful. Through encouragement, role-playing, and weekly check-ins over three weeks, the connector gained confidence and became ready to be paired with a companion.
Once connected, she built a meaningful relationship with her companion. Their conversations grew naturally, and together they decided to include Bible study during their calls. Over time, the connector became more comfortable in her role and came to see herself as someone capable of offering meaningful connection to others.
This story reflects the impact CCN can have on both companions and connectors. Through support and encouragement, both individuals experienced growth, connection, and a renewed sense of community.
One companion, an IU Health patient receiving CCN support, shared appreciation for the ongoing support she received through CCN, describing how meaningful it has been to have someone available to talk with. She described her connector, a trained volunteer who provides supportive companionship, as helpful and reassuring, especially because the connector made it clear that she could reach out whenever needed.
This simple expression of gratitude reflects the value of dependable companionship. For many participants, knowing that someone is willing to listen, be present, and offer encouragement can provide comfort, reassurance, and a stronger sense of connection.
At a partner location, a CCN team member met an individual who had crossed paths with the team several times before they had an opportunity to talk. During their conversation, the individual reflected on the lasting significance of losing a parent many years earlier.
The individual also reflected on meaningful and difficult life experiences and shared that having a trusted listener made it possible to speak openly about them.
After learning about CCN, the individual chose to enroll as a companion—an IU Health patient participating in CCN—and welcomed the opportunity for consistent weekly conversation.
This story reflects the importance of creating a safe, compassionate space where people feel seen, heard, and supported. Through CCN, this enrollee found an opportunity for consistent connection and the reassurance that he would not have to carry his story alone.
At a local partner location, a CCN team member spent time with an individual who had recently relocated to Indiana. During their conversation, the individual shared memories of a beloved family member and reflected on the grief carried over the past several years.
The conversation offered space to share family memories, sources of encouragement, and the importance of having grief acknowledged with compassion.
When the team member introduced CCN, the individual chose to enroll as a companion—an IU Health patient participating in CCN—and welcomed weekly calls from a connector, a trained volunteer who provides supportive companionship. The individual also expressed interest in sharing the opportunity with others who might value a caring listener.
This story highlights how compassionate presence can offer comfort to someone navigating deep grief. Through CCN, this companion found a supportive connection and the encouragement of knowing that his story mattered.
After completing CCN companionship training, one volunteer connector—a trained volunteer who provides supportive companionship—shared that she wanted additional guidance before beginning calls with a companion, an IU Health patient participating in CCN.
Through thoughtful follow-up, encouragement, and role-playing support over several weeks, she gradually gained confidence and accepted a companion match. As the relationship developed, she and her companion connected in a meaningful way and chose to incorporate Bible study into their calls.
This story reflects the impact CCN can have on both companions and connectors. Through support and encouragement, the connector moved from uncertainty to confidence, while both individuals experienced meaningful connection and a renewed sense of community.
During a meeting at a partnering congregation, a CCN team member spoke with a connector, a trained volunteer from the congregation, about the relationship she had developed with her companion, an IU Health patient receiving CCN support. As she shared their connection, the connector described her companion as a blessing in her life and reflected that the relationship may have blessed her just as much as it had blessed her companion.
Their conversations grew into a meaningful friendship rooted in trust, shared experiences, and the comfort of feeling understood. Together, they created space to reflect on grief, life transitions, and future possibilities while offering one another support without judgment.
This story reflects the power of CCN to foster relationships that go beyond weekly check-ins. Through consistent companionship, both the connector and companion found encouragement, belonging, and the possibility of a lasting friendship.
One companion, an IU Health patient participating in CCN, preferred to connect in a familiar language. When a nearby connector was not immediately available, the CCN team worked with a trusted community partner to identify a volunteer who could offer culturally and linguistically responsive companionship.
Through regular conversations, the companion and connector developed a meaningful rhythm. Their calls created space for everyday conversation, encouragement, and connection, helping the companion feel supported and less alone.
This story reflects how CCN can help bridge gaps in access by connecting patients with compassionate support through trusted community partners.
One companion, an IU Health patient participating in CCN, welcomed more opportunities for social connection. Through CCN, the companion was paired with a connector—a trained volunteer who provides supportive companionship—and the two developed a meaningful friendship.
During their weekly calls, they found common interests and shared stories about life experiences. Their conversations also created space for the companion to reflect on personal changes and the challenges of adjusting to new circumstances.
Their friendship continued beyond the initial connection period. The companion shared that the calls helped lift their spirit, and the connector expressed appreciation for the ongoing relationship.
This story highlights the power of consistent companionship to reduce loneliness, encourage meaningful conversation, and create relationships that continue beyond the formal program timeline.
Another companion, an IU Health patient participating in CCN, welcomed an opportunity for additional companionship. Through CCN, the companion was connected with a connector—a trained volunteer who provides supportive companionship—and the two began having warm and meaningful conversations.
As their relationship developed, they discovered shared interests that helped build trust and comfort. After a brief pause in communication, they were able to reconnect and continue the relationship.
When the companion was able to reconnect, both expressed appreciation for the relationship and the support created through CCN.
This story reflects how trusted connection can offer reassurance during uncertain moments and help companions feel remembered, supported, and cared for.
One companion, an IU Health patient participating in CCN, was referred after expressing interest in greater social connection. The companion was connected with a connector—a trained volunteer who provides supportive companionship—and the two began building a meaningful relationship through regular conversations.
Their connection continued to grow over time, creating opportunities for deeper conversation, encouragement, and community support.
This story highlights how CCN relationships can grow from weekly conversations into deeper connections that bring companionship, encouragement, and meaningful community support.
Another companion, an IU Health patient participating in CCN, was referred while seeking additional connection and managing ongoing care. Through CCN, the companion received consistent encouragement while remaining connected to appropriate care resources.
Over time, the companion and connector developed a positive and trusting relationship. Through ongoing encouragement and consistent check-ins, the companion received both emotional support and reminders to stay engaged with helpful care supports.
This story reflects how CCN can support whole-person care by combining compassionate companionship with encouragement to stay connected to appropriate healthcare resources.
One companion, an IU Health patient participating in CCN, had received support from care teams over several years while navigating significant life transitions and ongoing health needs. Support through the Congregational Care Network added an important layer of social and community-based connection.
Through consistent encouragement from care team members and the companion’s CCN connector, the companion remained supported through changing circumstances and an extended period of rehabilitation. Over time, this steady presence helped strengthen trust, encouragement, and hope.
During a recent visit, the companion shared plans to spend time in the community with the CCN connector and expressed appreciation for the relationship. The moment reflected the value of consistent, holistic care working alongside meaningful community support.
This story highlights how CCN can complement clinical care by offering steady companionship, trusted community connection, and support that helps companions feel seen, encouraged, and less alone.
One companion, an IU Health patient participating in CCN, was adapting to significant life changes and ongoing health needs while seeking greater connection and renewed purpose. Through CCN, the companion was connected with a chaplain and connector who offered steady listening, encouragement, and supportive presence.
During their conversations, the companion reflected on grief, life experiences, and the desire to rediscover purpose. The relationship offered space for thoughtful reflection, encouragement, and meaningful connection during a season of change.
The companion also shared creative interests, which helped highlight strengths, identity, and sources of hope beyond the challenges being faced.
This story reflects how CCN can offer compassionate companionship, spiritual and emotional support, and trusted connection that helps companions feel heard, valued, and less alone.
Grounded in whole-person care, the program helps address loneliness, isolation, and other social needs that can affect healing and well-being. Through partnerships with chaplains, congregations, and community organizations, CCN helps build a bridge between healthcare and community support.
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