GEMS: Grief Emerging as Meaning and Strength ©

GROW • EMPOWER • MAKE A DIFFERENCE

GEMS: Grief Emerging as Meaning and Strength ©

W Connection GEMS show what becomes possible when you do the work of healing—when grief begins to shape meaning, and meaning begins to shape strength.

When members reach the point where they can move from seeking support to offering it, they step into a powerful role. Something shifts in them. Their presence becomes a source of steadiness, hope, and connection for the next widow walking through our doors.

Our GEMS embody the heart of our mission. They are the living expression of how healing transforms not only the individual, but the community—widow to widow, year after year.

Two Ways to Become a GEM

Become a GEM Volunteer

For our W Members who wish to give back by volunteering their time at least 10 hours a month.

Become a GEM Donor

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.

Why I Volunteer For
The W Connection

by member diana korsh

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. 

96% of our volunteers agree that “helping other widows is a rewarding experience.”

GROW, EMPOWER, MAKE A DIFFERENCE

(from our latest member survey, July 2021)