West Valley Women Networking Association’s Post

MWC Vault: Washington DC As we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Modern Widows Club we’re taking a moment to reflect on key moments from our journey. One notable event was our trip to Washington DC to participate in the inaugural International Widows Day Forum 2023 with The Global Fund for Widows. During this significant gathering, our team of dedicated widow advocates engaged with 10 legislators to push forward the agenda of improved widow care. We highlighted the challenges widows face and sought meaningful solutions. We realized the absence of a dedicated widowhood caucus in Congress, recognizing the need to establish one to rally stakeholders who can advocate for widows’ rights effectively. Nor was there a subgroup in the Women’s Caucus advocating for those in widowhood. Furthermore, we noted the lack of a nationally recognized day for widows in the U.S., something we are determined to change. Additionally, the absence of an Office on Widowed Persons within the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Elder Affairs became apparent. Addressing these gaps is crucial for enhancing support for the 14 million widows across the nation, making the U.S. a leader in widow advocacy. We took with us a 11K signature petition to advance widow care and rights. It’s not enough to better serve widows in need, we must also fight for more equitable and inclusive rights. #advocacy #nonprofit #modernwidowsclub #impact #widowsupport #internationalwidowsday #forum #government #awareness #widowadvocate #movement #widowcare

As NAACP Ruby Hurley Image Award-winning Global Nonprofit Founder, Tennessee Tribune’s Top African American Woman, Foreword Writer, Award-winning Contributing Author and International Speaker of Young, Black & Widowed Inc. nonprofit, I am excited to speak at The Widow Squad’s Purpose Re-Imagined Event. My topic covers how I find joy in #SoloParenting my two Kindergarteners —one with profound autism, while intentionally #LivingApartTogether with my partner in our separately-owned houses, plus tips to overcome #loneliness by expanding your new community of connections and freely devoting yourself to your #passions post-loss. This 3-day online event designed just for #widows and #widowers, packed with experts who truly understand grief and rebuilding a life after loss. There’s an amazing lineup of leading expert speakers ready to share practical, down-to-earth advice to help you feel less alone, regain your confidence, and start looking forward to the future again. You won't want to miss what my friends, speakers Kim Murray, Melissa Grahek Pierce, Jim Spelman, Kat Forbes, Kelley Lyn, Susan Hannifin-MacNab, MSW, PPSC, Lois Tucker and Petra Gordon, BSW, RSW + more at the Widow Squad have planned for you at Purpose Re-Imagined! Click the link in the comments to for more info and to register. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eiKSHMGt #YoungBlackWidowed #LifeStyle #Passion #Purpose #Empowerment #SoloParenting #TheWidowSquad #Widows #Widowers

When a woman can’t see a future for herself, we need to understand why!! Research plays a pivotal role at Modern Widows Club because we deeply value every #widows perspective. Upon inquiring whether she harbored an “Interest in Your Future” prior to engaging with any MWC initiatives, her candid responses revealed a stark reality, albeit one we somewhat anticipated. It’s common for many widows to feel disconnected from their futures, a condition often exacerbated by #grief, which necessitates a period of slowing down to navigate and experience a range of emotions fully. However, upon re-evaluating their “Interest in Your Future” following the participation in an MWC #program, #community, or after accessing our #resources, the pivot was remarkable. Their honesty once again shone through, showcasing a significant positive change in their outlook towards the future, which filled us with immense joy and satisfaction. Such #feedback forms the cornerstone of what researchers term “comparable data,” a crucial benchmark for measuring the effectiveness and impact of our nonprofit’s mission. The initiation of this charity was rooted in such a purpose. The transformative feedback you’ve provided reaffirms our commitment and fuels our passion. Our singular goal is to offer comprehensive support, empowerment, and innovative programs designed to foster #hope, #healing, and personal #growth throughout your journey in #widowhood. Learn more about how Modern Widows Club is revolutionizing the future for widows at https://lnkd.in/d7uQFZF and support our work. Thank you. #modernwidowsclub #resilience #publichealth #communityhealth #womenshealth #families #missiongoals #widowsupport #leadership #research #comparabledata #support #philanthropy

Are we leveraging our platforms to create meaningful change in our communities? Realtor® Stacy Horst’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact we can have beyond real estate. After the tragic loss of her daughter Erin, Stacy co-founded Erin’s Hope for Friends, providing vital support for teens and young adults on the autism spectrum. This initiative has positively affected over 1,500 lives, fostering connections and creating a safe space for young people. Stacy exemplifies the heart of our profession—using our skills and resources to uplift others and strengthen community ties. As participants in the real estate market, we have unique opportunities to influence our neighborhoods. Let’s ask ourselves: How can we contribute to building more resilient, compassionate communities? It’s time to think beyond our transactions and focus on making a difference. Let’s inspire each other to use our platforms for good. #CommunityImpact #RealtorLife #MakingADifference #Volunteerism #GoodNeighborAwards #RealEstateAdvocacy

In this video, Dom Kelly, Co-Founder, President & CEO of New Disabled South and New Disabled South Rising, describes the many barriers of exclusion and inaccessibility that philanthropy places on disabled activists who need funding, and shares how philanthropy can deconstruct those barriers.

When a woman can’t see a future for herself, we need to understand why!! Research plays a pivotal role at Modern Widows Club because we deeply value every #widows perspective. Upon inquiring whether she harbored an “Interest in Your Future” prior to engaging with any MWC initiatives, her candid responses revealed a stark reality, albeit one we somewhat anticipated. It’s common for many widows to feel disconnected from their futures, a condition often exacerbated by #grief, which necessitates a period of slowing down to navigate and experience a range of emotions fully. However, upon re-evaluating their “Interest in Your Future” following the participation in an MWC #program, #community, or after accessing our #resources, the pivot was remarkable. Their honesty once again shone through, showcasing a significant positive change in their outlook towards the future, which filled us with immense joy and satisfaction. Such #feedback forms the cornerstone of what researchers term “comparable data,” a crucial benchmark for measuring the effectiveness and impact of our nonprofit’s mission. The initiation of this charity was rooted in such a purpose. The transformative feedback you’ve provided reaffirms our commitment and fuels our passion. Our singular goal is to offer comprehensive support, empowerment, and innovative programs designed to foster #hope, #healing, and personal #growth throughout your journey in #widowhood. Learn more about how Modern Widows Club is revolutionizing the future for widows at https://lnkd.in/d7uQFZF and support our work. Thank you. #modernwidowsclub #resilience #publichealth #communityhealth #womenshealth #families #missiongoals #widowsupport #leadership #research #comparabledata #support #philanthropy

📢 Time to Set the Dragons Den Story Straight! If you haven't caught our pitch yet, dive into the shorter version – a snappy 6 minutes that barely scratches the surface. Trust us, the full 20-minute episode on the show is where the magic truly unfolds! You can catch this on BBC iPlayer. The Dragons kept us on our toes for 2 hours in the den, and although the version was amazing, we would like to add a few vital points that were edited out. 1. OUR BRAND NAME - ''Stand Out Socks'' - Although it was made to look like Peter had a problem with our brand name, this was spoken about in a conversation about retail and how our products would stand out on a supermarket shelf. We will forever be STAND OUT!!! We won't be changing. 2. WE ARE A BUSINESS - We don't receive any funding or accept donations, we rely on our customers believing in our amazing staff, products, and mission. Steven Bartlett got this concept immediately and made an offer within the first 15 minutes after the pitch. Subsequently, Deborah Meaden removed herself from the negotiations citing we had the dragon we wanted/needed. It was refreshing that all the dragons treated us as a Business Investment... Thank you!! *** Since we launched 2 years ago our socks have helped raise well over £10,000 for charities and played a vital part in creating funds to help launch the Leicester Tigers Down Syndrome rugby team. 3. OUR PRODUCTS - A large segment of textile tycoon Touker Suleyman praising the quality of the socks was not used. With his 50 years of experience in the field, it was amazing to get this feedback. Just a few points that we wanted to get out there!! A special mention to Sara Davies MBE.... she truly is everything you see on TV, an amazing human being and an outstanding businesswoman. Follow our story - Stand Out Socks ✌️🧡🧦 #standoutsocks #dragonsden #borntostandout #downsyndromeawareness #disabilityinclusion

Congratulations Justin Whitworth on receiving the Special Reach Star of Service! Justin is studying teacher education at Palo Alto College. He has worked as a donation attendant for 3 years at the Second Chances thrift shop and Helotes Humane Society. His hobbies include reading history and politics, going on walks, and making new friends. Justin says his favorite thing about Special Reach is that, "It is an uplifting place to volunteer. The staff, families, fellow volunteers and participants are kind members of the community. The energy and communication they bring helps bring out our comradery. Everyone leaves happy after each event." He adds, "Special Reach has solidified my decision to be a special education teacher. I've seen participants who were reluctant to try new activities and believe in themselves. I feel great joy being a volunteer at Special Reach events. I have made many friends and acquaintances in the community. I have learned many things from the teachers." We celebrate Justin for his outstanding contributions and thank him for his selfless dedication to improving our community! #specialneedschildren #takeabreak #sanantonio #volunteer #volunteersmakeadifference #community #communitysupport #communityimpact #makeadifference #specialeducation #disability #disabilityawareness #disabled #inclusion #autism #specialneeds #accessibility #autismawareness #autismspectrum #neurodiversity #love #disabilityadvocate #cerebralpalsy #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #disabilityrights #disabilityinclusion #downsyndrome #motivation #inspiration #diversitymatters

🧑🎓 👉 🏆 From being a star student on our degree course, to setting an example as a volunteer for our FTP... it's only right James is mentioned on #VolunteersWeek 💫 He's helped our sides effectively fulfil their potential, who have gone on a brilliant season and silverware! ⚽ Read his full story ➡️ 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eWqBiuUv

Here at Peace of Mind, we love Cowgirls and Cowboys! Go Pokes! 💜🤠 #ILoveCowboysAndCowgirlsDay #GoPokes #Cowgirls #Cowboys #UniversityofWyoming #friendship #inclusion #diversity #disabilityadvocate #support #awareness #qualityservices #companion #respite #homemaker #community #peaceofmind #peoplefirst #nonprofit #disabilities #advocacy #makeadifference #bethedifference #inthistogether Image Description: This is a collage made to look like photographs and polaroid pictures taped to a wall. The background is beige. There are four pictures in the collage. Starting from the top left and going clockwise, the pictures are as follows. (1) Our participant Miah (left), and staff Logan (right) stand in front of a small bucking horse statue outside of UW’s Arena Auditorium. Miah is wearing a brown and gold winter hat and giving a thumbs up. Logan is wearing a UW themed ball cap and is holding a brown and gold bucket in one hand and giving a thumbs up with the other. (2) Our participants Mary (left) and Haven (right) wear matching rainbow tie dye shirts. They are sitting high up in the bleachers of War Memorial Stadium while watching a Cowboys football game. In the background is Jonah Field with players set up mid-game, fellow audience members, the other side of the stadium bleachers, and a blue sky with clouds above. (3) DSP Kenzie (left) and her dad (right) smile for a selfie together at a Cowboys basketball game. (4) Our participant Kennith at Snowy Range Flea Market. Behind him are shelves of trinkets and home decor. He found a great wall-hanging sign which reads, in brown and gold, “Real Cowboys don’t take baths, they just dust off.” Kennith is grinning. He is wearing a super colorful button up, short sleeved collared shirt featuring planets and rocket ships in space.