Supporting employee wellbeing and company culture through premium bereavement care

How the largest school district in Kansas expanded support for staff beyond bereavement leave

Wichita Public Schools (WPS), the largest school district in Kansas, employs nearly 7,500 benefited employees across 90 buildings. Danielle Dettmer, Manager of Employee Benefits and Insurance Management at WPS, was looking for a benefit to complete their offerings more holistically—one that would provide employees with support during life’s hardest moments and bolster their focus on wellbeing.

To achieve this goal, WPS partnered with their longtime broker, IMA Financial, and Adam Moret, Whole Health Practice Lead, for a collaborative, values-driven search. Together, they explored options, focusing on alignment with the district's philosophy and staff wellbeing, not just practicality. Their aim was a program that offered tangible benefits and fostered a culture of care for all who serve Wichita's students.

That’s when Empathy came into play.

— Adam Moret, Whole Health Practice Lead at IMA Financial

WPS staff dedicate their time and energy to educating and caring for the Wichita community, and Empathy ensures they receive the same level of care in return. With 24/7 access to compassionate grief resources, a personalized Care Plan, and estate settlement tools, Empathy provides employees with critical support long after bereavement leave ends.

By integrating Empathy into their benefits, WPS provides employees with ongoing, personalized guidance during life’s hardest moments, helping them navigate loss without added stress. With comprehensive guidance and compassionate resources, Empathy allows WPS employees to focus on what they do best—caring for their students and community—knowing they have a benefit that truly supports them.

— Adam Moret, Whole Health Practice Lead at IMA Financial