Wings For Widows

I have been a volunteer coach for 2 years and have recently joined the board of Wings for Widows because I have been so moved with their mission.

As a volunteer, I have been blessed to be able to shepherd widows along their journey with the goal to help them find financial stability in one of the most difficult times of their lives. I did not realize just how important this experience would become when my own mom unexpectedly became a widow. I was able to follow the process set forth by Wings for Widows to gently walk along side my mom while working through my own grief. The guidebook became our trusted road map helping us navigate uncharted waters. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my financial knowledge with others in such a meaningful way.

I have been a volunteer coach for about 3 years and immensely proud of the work we do for the widow(er) community. Wings for Widows fills a much needed gap in this country in providing guidance and solutions to those that have lost a loved one. Many of our volunteers receive direct feedback from those they have assisted, and having a big impact in helping those individuals navigate difficult times and situations.

I lost my mom five years ago, and it was tough on our family, especially for my dad, becoming a single parent. Wings for Widows helped navigate us through the "muddy waters" of all the financial obligations one must complete when someone passes away: insurance, taxes, debt, benefits, etc. We were so grateful to the team of staff and volunteers at Wings for Widows for easing our burden so we could refocus on grieving, honoring, and remembering my mom.

I am proud to be part of an organization that keeps on giving to those in need. As a Board member, I have seen the growth of the organization and changing offerings to meet the needs of those widows that have no where else to turn. The extent of the support and content provided to the widow community is unsurpassed and should be emulated by other similar organizations.

Wings for Widows is an outstanding organization with a remarkable mission to support widows in need. I have volunteered with them for over two years and deeply admire their unwavering attention to detail and dedication to creating the best possible experience for both widows and volunteers.

As a Certified Financial Planner®, Wings for Widows has enabled me to give back to others and help widows in need. In 2024 I was able to help 2 young widows with their financial challenges and guided them
to create a plan to move forward with their families. It's such a powerful experience been able to serve others in their toughest times. Thanks Wings for Widows!

I've had the experience of coaching three different widows and each experience was completely different. The first was a woman in her 70's whose husband took care of all the finances and paid all the bills. The second was a 20ish recent bride whos husband died in a car accdent and hadn't started merging their finances yet. The third was a woman in her late 50's who paid all the bills and was aware of their investments and there financal situation.
Each needed help in a different area before they were able to move on and be comfortable with knowing where they were financially and in control of there own lives.

I have had volunteer experience with many non-profits and Wings for Widows ranks among the best that I have ever worked with. It is extremely well run from an operational perspective and provides an invaluable service to people who have lost a spouse and are experiencing grief and at the same time are in need of financial coaching and mentoring.

Wings for Widows is a financial planning and budgeting service provided without cost to recent widows who may not have the means or access to professional guidance. It is incredibly fulfilling for both parties. My greatest professional joy was using my knowledge and skills to help people during a time of need. And the widows felt a huge burden lifted off their shoulders, having someone to guide them through the process thoughtfully and systematically.
- Chris Blakely CFP

As a Certified Financial Planner, I get the opportunity to give back by volunteering with Wings for Widows. Providing pro-bono financial guidance to people when they are in a time of emotional and often, financial crisis, is quite an honor. Over the years, through the work of the Wings for Widows organization, advisors like me have served thousands of recently widowed individuals through the difficult financial maze that often follows the death of a spouse. I can't think of another more fulfilling assignment in my work and I know the widows that have been guided to me feel the same.

I have been truly honored to volunteer with Wings for Widows as a coach. Having been widowed myself, I understand just how important helping widows/widowers wrap their hands around their finances can give peace of mind and much needed support. Understanding finances can be a daunting task to undertake after losing a loved one, especially if the deceased partner was the one that took care of everything. With one-on-one coaching from a financial professional, Wings for Widows not only helps widows/widowers pull their financial world together, but learn financial tools moving forward. Wings for Widows offers a place of compassion, understanding, and financial navigation for widows/widowers. Wings for Widows is a huge gift to the widowed community.

As a member of the W4W team, I am very proud of the services we offer and the profound impact they have on widowed people in our community. The volunteer care managers and financial coaches truly provide life changing assistance to so many!

As an employee of this organization, I have been able to witness firsthand the help we offer widows and widowers. Wings for Widows offers the financial direction that's often so needed as they are navigating some of the most difficult times of their lives. Though it's difficult to see the pain and sadness widowhood has brought, I feel privileged to be able to help alleviate some amount of their struggle through this support.

As a volunteer coach dedicated to helping individuals navigate the turbulent waters of financial planning after the loss of a spouse, I've had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of Wings for Widows. This remarkable organization stands out as a beacon of hope and empowerment for those grappling with the daunting challenges of widowhood.

Wings for Widows doesn't just offer financial assistance; it provides a lifeline of support, guidance, and compassion to individuals who find themselves thrust into unfamiliar territory following the loss of their partner. Through personalized coaching sessions and a network of empathetic volunteers, Wings for Widows equips widows with the tools and knowledge they need to regain control of their financial futures.

One of the most commendable aspects of Wings for Widows is its commitment to holistic empowerment. Recognizing that financial planning is just one piece of the puzzle, the organization takes a comprehensive approach that addresses the emotional, practical, and logistical aspects of widowhood. From navigating estate planning and managing investments to coping with grief and building resilience, Wings for Widows offers a multifaceted support system tailored to the unique needs of each individual.

As a coach, I've had the privilege of witnessing the profound transformation that occurs when widows are empowered with knowledge and resources. I've seen hesitant individuals blossom into confident decision-makers, anxious hearts find peace amidst uncertainty, and isolated souls discover a sense of belonging within a supportive community. Through the tireless dedication of its volunteers and the unwavering commitment to its mission, Wings for Widows not only provides financial assistance but also fosters a sense of hope, resilience, and empowerment that transcends monetary value.

In my experience, the impact of Wings for Widows extends far beyond the realm of finances. It's about restoring dignity, rebuilding confidence, and reaffirming the inherent worth and resilience of every individual it serves. As a volunteer coach, I am immensely grateful to be a part of this extraordinary organization and to witness firsthand the profound difference it makes in the lives of those navigating the challenging journey of widowhood. If you or someone you know is in need of support after the loss of a spouse, I wholeheartedly recommend reaching out to Wings for Widows. With their guidance and support, you can take flight on the wings of empowerment and chart a course towards a brighter tomorrow.

I came about this organization in my quest to give back to the financial planning community. I started as a financial coach in late 2023 and found the help to the first widow very rewarding. Wings for Widows is a fantastic organization and very glad to help.

As a financial advisor and tax strategist it amazes me that this is the ONLY non-profit seeking to help widows at one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. Having just lost my grandfather and watching my grandmother go through this, I see first-hand how necessary a non-profit like Wings for Widows is.

I am beyond proud to be a volunteer for this amazing non-profit!

I have been working as a financial coach with Wings for Widows for about one year. It has truly been a rewarding experience for me. In addition to the satisfaction I receive from assisting recent widows/widowers with their financial matters, I have found my greatest satisfaction to be the effusive expressions of gratitude that I have received from my clients. While my paying clients also thank me for my work, I find the heartfelt feelings of gratitude expressed by my pro bono clients to be degrees greater than my paying clients.

As a CFP® practitioner, I have provided pro bono financial planning and coaching help to several non-profits. Wings for Widows is among the best in terms of its impact. Wings' leadership, staff and volunteers are making a big difference for many folks in need. The dedication and hard work at Wings are truly admirable.

When I was initially introduced to Wings for Widows, I was so excited to find an organization that provided free financial counseling services to those who are widowed. I have worked with many individuals who have lost a spouse and struggled to manage their finances. This organization provides a unique service, free of charge, to widowed persons who find themselves seeking answers to questions regarding their finances. No one needs to struggle alone, give Wings for Widows a call.

I have been a Board member for almost two years and continue to be impressed with the vision of the organization and dedication of its volunteers. Wings for Widows provides comprehensive financial planning assistance to those who are facing a difficult time following the loss of a loved one. This is truly an excellent organization!

I'm a Board member of this Association and am amazed at the impact our 100% volunteer FA have with our widow clients. During a time of hurt, turmoil, and uncertainty, our FA provide structure, consistency and a true helping-hand in a time of need! All at ZERO cost to the client!

I have been providing pro bono financial coaching to widows through Wings for Widows since 2022. I am proud to be associated with such a great organization.

This is a much needed service for widows who find themselves simultaneously processing their loss, managing their grief, and trying to get a handle on their finances.

As a CFP® professional, I am thankful for the opportunity that Wings for Widows affords me to apply my knowledge and skills to individuals in need, and who genuinely appreciate the services that we provide. I find my volunteer work with Wings for Widows to be very fulfilling.

I have watched Wings for Widows grow since its inception and was asked to be on the board this year and gladly accepted. I have had a number of women I have known in my life that became widowed and struggled getting their lives back on track. The loss of a spouse is hard enough without having to recover alone. I just wish I would had been able to introduce Wings for Widows to them. I now can. This is a great organization.

I have been volunteering with W4W for a couple of years, and it is by far one of the most amazing non-profits I have worked with. The experience is great, and being able to help people in need is truly life changing.

I am a proud Board Member of Wings for Widows and love the passion the board members and staff demonstrate for our purpose of serving Widows in need. I attended two Wings for Widows Galas as a guest and knew after the last Gala that I wanted to be part of this amazing and growing organization. Making a difference in the lives of people who need it, working along side people who truly care about it, is so incredibly rewarding. I get back so much more than I give. The year in front of us is very exciting!!!

I am very privileged to work with an organization that provides such a valuable service to a clientele that is struggling day to day. Everyone involved with the organization is passionate about the mission and meeting the needs of widows.

As a widow and a board member I have found this organization provides wonderful services to newly widowed individuals. There are so many decisions to make and it’s a great resource to help you navigate all those difficult times when you are least prepared to handle. It is a free and very worthwhile service to fulfill a great need.

As a volunteer, I have found Wings for Widows serves such a unique niche in helping widowed people through their individual financial picture. As a widow myself, I understand what an important conversation this can be.

As the Program Manager, I can't say enough about this program that serves men and women in the early chaos of widowhood. There are more than 1.5 million nonprofits in the U.S. and there is only ONE serving this community of nearly 1 million new widows each year. Wings for Widows provides such loving care and support, using only CFP financial professionals from around the country to provide the best advice, and they DO NOT CHARGE for their services. When you lose a spouse, you need professional help and so many do not have that help available. Thank God for Wings for Widows.

This is an amazing organization. Wings for Widows reaches out to widows in the thick of their grief and walks with them as they tackle the financial challenges of their 'new normal'.

I am a volunteer, board member and referral partner. The service that we provide to widows gives them such relief. Many times a widow is left with a financial situation that she doesn't understand - it may be good or bad, but during a time of grief it is too overwhelming. By being there to guide her through her finances, it is one small way that we can help her to take control of her life in a situation that may feel completely out of her control. And, it is completely free to her. In addition, if she needs further services, such as legal advice, insurance or other services, we have a safe network to refer her to so that she will not be taken advantage of.

Wings for Widows offers that unique service of free financial coaching to widows and widowers. Having seen the trauma that widows /widowers go through first hand and what financial challenges they have also to deal with, and at the same time needing to stay strong for others, I see Wings for Widows filling a valuable need and doing so with the best of what financial coaching can provide . I am proud to be part of this organization.

I am very proud to be a part of this great nonprofit!

I have worked with Wings for Widows for about 2 years as a financial coach. This organization fills a valuable and challenging need and they have done it extremely well. The leadership and people in the organization are outstanding! The processes and training and effort to bring a good experience for those helping and coaching and for those being helped has far exceeded my expectations. They are trying to set everyone up for success. I can't say enough good things about the organization. I support them financially and with my time.

In 2017 I was shocked to discover there were no financial resources to help the newly widowed. How could this be? And the more I learned about how the U.S. treats our widowed men and women - more than 15 million in the U.S. today - I decided to do something about it. I founded Wings for Widows on Jan 8, 2018, and have never looked back. Since then, we have built a wonderful team of staff, volunteers, widow-volunteers, and pro bono CFP coach volunteers to provide this much lacking resource to the widow community. It brings my heart such joy to be building something sustainable through the hard work and determination of so many fabulous volunteers. Now, widows and widowers dealing with the financial trauma of loss have somewhere to turn to, someone they can trust to help them through this confusing and vulnerable period.

Wow, I'm so thankful that I found this amazing group of people after my husband passed away. They had volunteer financial planners patiently work with me to understand my overall economic picture. I wasn't the money person in the relationship so I had so much to learn and Wings for Widows has been a high help in getting me on track.

Wings for Widows is a fantastic resource for a widow looking for guidance on how to stabilize the financial part of her life. Approachable, friendly, and professional. I highly recommend their resources for either yourself or a widow you care about.

Serving widows is my calling. When the pandemic hit, I knew I needed to increase my pro bono work. I found Wings for Widows, and talked with Chris Bentley. knew this is the organization where I belonged.

People don't like to talk about death. They don't like to talk about death and money even less. Yet, financial concerns are one of the biggest stressors for newly widowed people. Wings for Widows offers support in this overlooked area of need and provides grief support services. The quality of the program is top notch. Not only is financial coaching done on a one-on-one basis, but it is provided by CFP professionals.

I have volunteered with Wings for Widows from its inception. This organization pursues excellence in everything it does and has adapted and improved month by month. As a widow and caregiver, I find my work with W4W fulfilling and enriching.

As a widow who has gone through the stress of handling the financial aspects resulting from the death of a spouse I understand how critical the services Wings for Widows provides are for widows and widowers.

Wings For Widows is a wonderful nonprofit offering free financial services to widows and an ear to listen with through the toughest time of a woman's life. Losing a spouse is difficult because it is so much more than an emotional loss, often it's also financial. I used Wings For Widows services when my husband passed away to help me sort out some huge financial obstacles and I also appreciated having someone to listen to me. Knowing I wasn't alone and my feelings were normal, really helped me in the second year. I waiting for a year and half to make a call, I only wish I would have called sooner because they were so helpful! I appreciated their assistance so much, that I am now volunteering to help others, and to help spread the word about this wonderful organization!

This is a great nonprofit helping the widowed community. They provide financial planning services to newer widows or widowers who are navigating the toughest time of their lives after losing their loved ones. It is a very comprehensive review helping widowed develop budgets, finalize estate debts, understanding future financial needs and more. It is all completed by a Certified Financial Planner with no charges to the bereaved. They also provide grief support with classes, zoom calls, widow advocates and more. I highly recommend this wonderful organization.