Honoring Bryers Funeral Home with a Community Champion Award
Jeff Thompson and the rest of the Bryers Funeral Home staff received a Community Champions award from KenCrest.
On October 2nd, at the RiverCrest Golf Club, KenCrest had the privilege of honoring Jeff Thompson from Bryers Funeral Home with a Community Champion Award. This award is presented to individuals who embody KenCrest’s values and show dedication to making a meaningful impact in the lives of the people we serve. Jeff Thompson and the team at Bryers Funeral Home have done just that, providing compassionate and dignified end-of-life support to KenCrest individuals for decades.
Bryers Funeral Home has partnered with KenCrest through some of the most sensitive and challenging times. Their team’s dedication to supporting our individuals during their final journey is truly remarkable. Jeff and his team approach their work with a profound level of respect, dignity, and empathy. In every case, Bryers has gone above and beyond, ensuring each person’s life and wishes are honored, even when family members are not present or able to participate.
One example of Bryers’ commitment stands out. A KenCrest-supported individual recently passed away, and although this individual had family, they were distant and chose not to be involved in the funeral planning. Jeff and his team at Bryers Funeral Home took the lead, working closely with KenCrest staff to create a beautiful and dignified service. Their approach reflected KenCrest’s values of inclusion and respect, ensuring that this individual’s memory was celebrated with the same care as anyone else’s.
Another story highlighting Bryers’ exceptional dedication involves a KenCrest individual from a non-Christian religious background. This individual’s family wanted a service that aligned with their cultural and religious traditions, but these customs were unfamiliar to the KenCrest team. Jeff and his team stepped up, taking the time to learn about and respect these traditions. They coordinated with the family to hold a memorial service in the individual’s home, complete with a Repass and a memorial table arranged according to the family’s customs. This thoughtful, inclusive approach ensured that the individual was remembered in a way that honored their beliefs and respected their family’s wishes.
For many KenCrest staff, Bryers Funeral Home feels like an extended part of our team. Although they are not officially affiliated with KenCrest, their values align seamlessly with ours. They bring compassion, transparency, and integrity to each service. In a field where unexpected costs and hidden fees are often encountered, Jeff and his team have always been upfront and honest, ensuring no surprises during an already difficult time.
Working in end-of-life support is challenging and emotional, especially for our staff members who often form deep connections with the individuals they support. In these dark and emotional moments, when KenCrest staff are grieving, Jeff and his team provide more than just a service—they offer understanding, comfort, and genuine support. By handling the details with sensitivity and grace, they help our staff navigate the difficult process of saying goodbye.
The values that KenCrest upholds—Positivity, Respect, Inclusion, Dignity, and Excellence, or PRIDE—are values that Bryers Funeral Home embodies in every interaction. Their positivity shines through, even in the most somber moments. They include and treat each individual as they would any other, regardless of disability, and their commitment to excellence is evident in the quality of service they provide to individuals, families, and staff alike.
KenCrest is incredibly grateful for the partnership and support that Jeff Thompson and Bryers Funeral Home have offered over the years. They have shown what it means to serve with heart and to treat every individual with the utmost respect and care. Jeff’s recognition as a KenCrest Community Champion is well-deserved, and we are honored to have him and his team as allies in our mission.
Congratulations to Jeff Thompson and the entire Bryers Funeral Home team. Your commitment to compassion and respect has left a lasting impact on our community.
