GROW, EMPOWER, MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Our GEMS are proof that being a member of the W Connection matters!*
When our members are ready to “graduate” from needing support to giving support, they have the unique power to Grow, Empower and Make a Difference to the next set of new widows walking through our doors!
Our GEMS personify our mission.
Your compassion, wisdom and grace are vital to our sustainability.
For our W Members who are grateful for the wisdom and inspiration they gained from being part of the W Connection and wish to give back by volunteering their time at least 10 hours a month.
For our W Supporters and W Members who believe in the importance of our work and choose to donate –starting at just $5 a month. Your support makes is possible for us to continue our mission and vision.
My motivation to begin to volunteer for The W Connection was the announcement of the Spring 2017 Fundraiser/Gala. I was excited for the opportunity to support the W Connection and their mission to help widows. When I first decided to volunteer…
I figured I was going to help out in some small and simple way. However, what was needed at the time was co-chairing the Auction Committee for the Gala. I immediately panicked, thinking I can’t do that. After taking a deep breath, I said “I’m not sure if I can do that, but I can try.” The initial feelings of fear and lack of confidence that many of us widows experience following the death of a spouse, resurfaced, but I realized that it was time for me to do something new, fulfilling, and challenging. With tremendous encouragement and support along the way from the W Connection team, I DID IT!
My first task was to enlist a volunteers for the auction to collect items for the fundraiser and to provide assistance before and during the event. In reaching out to other members, it helped me to connect and get to know different individuals in other ways than from our monthly meetings. I made some new friendships and had some laughs and fun working together. I found that there is always someone who is willing to listen and really understand when in need of a listening ear and perhaps some guidance.
I truly do feel that in a certain aspect the W Connection saved my life, from when I sold my house and moved to the city seven months after my husband’s death at the end of 2015. Volunteering for the W Connection has helped me to move forwards by gaining more confidence and trust in myself in this flying-solo journey.
I encourage other widows to volunteer for the W Connection! You will get to know other members of the W Connection and you will feel good about yourself by helping others.
97% of our members agree that “connecting with other widows at the W Connection gives me strength and hope.”
98% of our members agree that “by attending W Connection meetings, I gain new strategies and insights that help me better manage the challenges of widowhood.”
96% of our volunteers agree that “helping other widows is a rewarding experience.”
(from our latest member survey, July 2021)