Investor News
HOUSTON, Aug. 27, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Service Corporation International (NYSE:SCI), an innovative leader in the funeral and cemetery industry, supports nearly 2,000 widows and widowers across the nation through the Living Information for Today (LIFT) program, which is designed to reinforce a sense of wholeness and purpose for those who have lost a spouse.
As the nation's baby boomers continue its steady stream into retirement age, some 800,000 Americans are becoming widows or widowers each year. Many experience different levels of grief, depression or a sense of feeling lost after the death of their spouse. With 50 chapters around the country, SCI LIFT provides widows and widowers who share similar loss experiences with the opportunity to socialize together in a positive and supportive atmosphere without any membership requirements, cost or obligation.
SCI LIFT has been instrumental in providing a network of healing and hope for thousands of people over the last 40 years by connecting bereaved spouses together through newsletters, bingo games and luncheons. Today, the program also offers group activities and special events such as day trips, cruises and excursions that take members all around the globe.
The SCI LIFT program's largest concentration of chapters is in Houston and surrounding areas with close to 600 members lead by Jackie Snider, SCI community outreach coordinator. Snider's late husband spearheaded the local group about 17 years ago. "Although it's not a therapy group, we do support one another, have a really good time and make sure everyone feels welcome," said Snider.
"The SCI LIFT programs are run by SCI and Dignity Memorial® employees and volunteers, many of whom already have full-time jobs," says Phil Jacobs, SCI's Chief Marketing Officer. "The SCI LIFT program not only provides for socialization, but it also illustrates the continuum of care that SCI and Dignity Memorial offer our families every day."
The successful national program has solidified friendships, created new relationships and even spawned nearly a dozen weddings since the program was established in 1975.
About Service Corporation International
Service Corporation International (NYSE:SCI), headquartered in Houston, Texas, is North America's leading provider of deathcare products and services. At June 30, 2015, we owned and operated 1,550 funeral homes and 467 cemeteries (of which 262 are combination locations) in 45 states, eight Canadian provinces, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Through its businesses, SCI markets the Dignity Memorial® brand which offers assurance of quality, value, caring service and exceptional customer satisfaction. For more information about Service Corporation International, please visit www.sci-corp.com. For more information about Dignity Memorial, please visit www.dignitymemorial.com. As used herein, "SCI" or the "Company" refers to Service Corporation International and all of its affiliated companies.
CONTACT: MEDIA CONTACT: Marianne Gooch - 713.525.5235
Managing Director, Corporate Communications
Service Corporation International