Every meaningful act of donation begins with a conversation. At Eversight, those conversations are led by Donation Support Center (DSC) coordinators—frontline professionals who support donor families during some of the most emotional moments of their lives.
These conversations require empathy, clarity and confidence. Recognizing the weight and importance of this role, Eversight partnered with the Gift of Life Institute to provide specialized professional training for its DSC team, reinforcing a commitment to compassionate, family-centered donation experiences.
For DSC coordinator Treniecia Sanders, the experience was both affirming and transformative.
“The Gift of Life Institute training is a well-needed view on how what seems like a small piece pulls together the overall picture of donation,” Treniecia shared. “To me, donation is the gift that keeps on giving. My team and I walked away feeling empowered.”
Supporting a role at the heart of the mission
DSC coordinators are often a family’s first point of contact with Eversight. In moments of grief and uncertainty, they guide families through donation conversations with care—honoring personal decisions while offering clarity and support.
From the Board of Directors’ perspective, investing in frontline employees is not optional—it’s essential.
“If the DSC doesn’t do its work, we’re nowhere,” said Eversight Board Chair Kathy Zelenock. “They are essential to all that we do.”
For Treniecia, the training helped reframe how she views her role in those moments of grief.
“I realize now that this is truly an opportunity for meaningful impact,” she said. “We are advocating for the donor’s personal and legal decision, while also making an impact for those in need. Helping a donor’s family honor their loved one’s decision to extend their legacy can change that moment of loss into a beacon of hope.”
Why the Gift of Life Institute
Eversight partnered with the Gift of Life Institute because of its deep experience in donation communication and family-centered care. The training focused on navigating grief-filled conversations, supporting families by phone and approaching each interaction without assumptions.
“This work is incredibly unique,” Kathy explained. “Coordinators are talking to people in their moment of grief, taking on the burden of tragic loss and still doing their job—multiple times every day. It was important that the training fully understood those challenges.”
The training created space for reflection, shared learning and practical skill-building, allowing coordinators to strengthen their approach while learning from one another.
Building confidence, language and perspective
Across the DSC team, one word surfaced repeatedly when describing the training: confidence.
Through guided discussion and practice, coordinators explored how thoughtful language choices and active listening can build trust and connection.
“Words are powerful,” said Dawn Shipp, Eversight Clinical Operations Manager. “Our staff felt better informed about how to use different words to connect with families or honor a loved one’s decision.”
Treniecia shared how learning the ACR method—Acknowledging feelings, Clarifying confusion and Reassuring families—changed her perspective. 
“I feel equipped to push through emotional conversations with certainty, knowing we’re empowering families with a decision that honors their loved one and shows that they matter,” she said.
The training also emphasized storytelling as a way to help families understand the real-world impact of donation.
“I lean into stories now,” Treniecia shared. “Like the young woman who gained her independence because she can see on her own, or the 1-year-old overseas who went from recognizing loved ones by voice to seeing them clearly.”
A lasting impact for families and staff
DSC leaders anticipate that the training will lead to stronger conversations, increased confidence during difficult calls and more meaningful support for donor families.
“The number one thing is helping them see the value they bring—not just to the organization, but to the world,” Kathy said. “They carry an incredible range of human emotion. If we can give them tools to process that and feel better about what they’re contributing, that’s everything.”
For Treniecia, the experience reinforced that her voice—and the voice of the DSC—matters.
“It feels great to know that we asked for help, and it was taken seriously,” she said. “Leadership heard us, took action and showed us the service, drive and trust that fuels our success at Eversight.”
By investing in frontline teams, Eversight continues to strengthen the compassionate care at the core of its mission—ensuring donor families feel supported, respected and informed during moments that matter most.
Join our team
The work of the Donation Support Center—and teams across Eversight—requires empathy, resilience and a belief in the power of donation to change lives. If you’re looking for a career where compassion and purpose come together, we invite you to explore our career opportunities at Eversight.