IU Health Congregational Care Network: Finding healing through connection

The Congregational Care Network provides compassionate care beyond the hospital walls with help from community partners.

Article by IU Health Connect

The burden of emotional and spiritual strain can be overwhelming for individuals facing life transitions or caregiving challenged. The Congregational Care Network (CCN), a program offered through IU Health, is designed to bridge that gap by providing consistent emotional support to those in need.

“The CNN began as a vision to extend compassionate care beyond the hospital’s walls,” says Leah Gunning Francis, senior vice president and chief mission and values officer, IU Health. “Thanks to the support of the Ball Brothers Foundation, we can bring that vision to life in Muncie.”

A key element of the program is matching volunteer “connectors” with individuals who could benefit from regular check-ins and spiritual companionship. Cindy True, who lost her sister after a difficult period of caregiving, experienced the power of this connection firsthand.

“When my sister passed, I felt lost,” True says. “I had been caring for her for so long, I didn’t know how to take care of myself anymore.” During this challenging time, she was introduced to the CCN through an IU Health chaplain, who recognized her need for ongoing support.

True was paired with Dena Polston, a connector from Urban Light Community Church in Muncie.

“When I first post with Cindy, I realized how much she has neglected herself while caring for her sister,” Polston recalls. “She told me she hadn’t had a haircut in months, so I encouraged her to take small steps in looking after herself.”

With Polston’s gentle encouragement, True gradually focused on her well-being. “I made an appointment with the hairdresser, and after that, things started to shift,” she explains. “It felt like I was starting to reclaim my life.”

Beyond emotional support, Polston introduced True to local resources, including grief support groups, to help her process her loss. Through regular phone calls and meetings, the two have built a bond that has impacted both of their lives.

Polston has found volunteering with the CCN deeply fulfilling. She participates actively in Urban Light’s efforts to serve the community, but her involvement with the CCN has been particularly meaningful.

“The program has allowed me to make real connections with people who need someone to walk them through difficult times,” she explains. “It’s about being present and letting them know they’re not alone.”

Polston got involved with the program after receiving training from IU Health at Urban Light. The church partnered with the CCN to expand its role in supporting those outside the church.

The CCN continues to make a difference in the lives of individuals like True by fostering meaningful relationships that promote healing and renewal.

“This program brought me back to life,” True reflects. “And I’m so grateful to have found someone like Dena who listens and cares.”

“The CCN has become a critical resource for improving emotional and spiritual well-being, which we know can directly impact overall health,” says Jeff Bird, MD, president, IU Health East Central Region. “By fostering connections and alleviating loneliness, the CCN promotes healing and resilience in our community.”