National Widowers’ Organization and Wings for Widows announce a new collaboration

By National Widowers’ Organization on March 21, 2023

 

The National Widowers’ Organization and Wings for Widows are collaborating to bring expanded resources to grieving men.  Founded in 2018, Wings for Widows is a 501(c)3 charity, the first and only organization of its kind in the United States. With more than 90 volunteers, Wings for Widows provides personalized financial coaching and education to help the newly widowed gain clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. 

All services are free and offered nationwide. 

Chris Bentley, founder and president of Wings for Widows explains,

“We help newly widowed men and women navigate the financial trauma of loss.  With the help of our compassionate volunteers, our goal is to guide clients through new widowhood, empowering them to make sound financial choices for themselves and their families into the future.” “It’s important that widowers are aware these services exist,” Bentley continues. “It’s even more important that they optimize their situation by using the help and services that are available.”

Wings for Widows offers several programs and resources to those needing help through their website.  The intake process starts with a “Financial Wellness Check” that provides users an indication of their progress towards financial wellness.  One-to-one “Financial Coaching,” with experienced financial advisors, is available. Other programs include “Financial Coaching For Surviving Military Spouses and financial education courses including, “Take Charge of Me” for guidance immediately following a loss and a six-week “Legacy Planning Workshop” to help individuals and couples prepare for end-of-life. Wings for Widows offers scholarships to “Financial Peace University,” and are soon launching their “Financial Empowerment Center.”   Additionally, there are regular webinars on their calendar, speakers available for groups on a variety of financial topics, articles, and podcasts.  

Dr. Sherry R. Schachter, president of the National Widowers’ Organization said of the new collaboration,

“Wings for Widows offers a new set of resources and support for men in grief that we could not provide on our own.  Often, men who are serving as care givers disregard finances and get into difficulty.  Similar challenges face widowed fathers raising children alone.  We know Wings for Widows can help in these situations to guide men to financial wellness.”  Dr. Schachter added, “I am looking forward to working with the team at Wings for Widows to develop new programs in the future to help address the unique needs of men.”