Equip.

Empowering widows through encouragement and practical support as they step into their next chapter.

Practical Tools for Life After Loss

When a woman becomes a widow, she doesn’t just lose her spouse—she often finds herself suddenly facing decisions, tasks, and responsibilities she never expected to navigate alone. From financial matters to home maintenance, the weight can be overwhelming.

At Story of Hope, we believe in more than encouragement—we believe in equipping women with the knowledge, tools, and confidence they need to walk forward in strength, dignity, and hope. Through workshops, trusted resources, and connections to local experts, we help widows feel less overwhelmed and more empowered.

Workshops

Our workshops are designed to speak directly to the practical challenges widows face in everyday life. From learning how to jump a car battery to understanding long-term financial planning, we cover the topics that often feel intimidating—but don’t have to be.

We currently offer workshops on a quarterly basis and focus on subjects like:

Each workshop includes simple, easy-to-follow presentations, handouts, and space for questions. Our goal isn’t to overwhelm—it’s to equip.

And while our in-house workshop schedule may be limited, we gladly connect widows to trusted outside organizations offering additional resources, events, or educational support.

  • Budgeting & Financial Planning

  • Basic Home Care & Maintenance

  • Car Care Essentials

  • Self-Defense & Personal Safety

  • Grief-Sensitive Parenting

Trusted Community Referrals

Sometimes, knowing where to turn is the biggest challenge. That’s why we maintain a network of compassionate, reliable professionals and organizations who share our heart for helping widows.

We regularly refer women to trusted:

  • Financial planners

  • Probate lawyers

  • Grief counselors and therapists

  • Home service professionals

  • Community programs and nonprofit partners

We don’t provide these services ourselves—but we walk alongside each woman with guidance, encouragement, and practical connections she can rely on.

Empowering, Not Overwhelming

We measure success in this pillar not by checklists, but by confidence. If a widow walks away from a workshop or referral feeling even a little more informed, a little more capable, and a little more hopeful—that’s a win.

As we equip women with resources, we pray each one comes to believe:

  • She can learn new things

  • She can handle what’s ahead

  • She isn’t in this alone

  • She can trust God to provide for her every need.

  • If only every church had a ministry that targeted widows... Story of Hope Ministries is an exceptional ministry that meets the unique needs of widows. The ministry is a tremendous blessing to me personally. When a slew of issues surfaced with my home, from the inoperable microwave to the damaged garage door opener, squirrels in and on my roof, and then a large tree falling on my fence, just to name a few, I was feeling a bit overwhelmed. By the time I discovered that a tree fell on my fence, I was at my wit's end. I reached out to Jeni with Story of Hope for a resource to repair my fence, and within two days someone not only repaired my fence, but Story of Hope covered the repair! I was stunned by the generosity and deeply grateful. Alleviating that one thing made such a huge difference as I juggled these issues simultaneously in the midst of grief. My prayer is that God will continue to richly bless this much needed ministry!

    - Rhonda W.

  • “I am so thankful for Story of Hope Ministries and the way they have been His hands and feet in my life. I was shown love and care not only for me as a widow, but also as a mother of a child in the middle of a medical crisis. Story of Hope is a ministry of beauty from the ashes of deep loss. The prayers and support from this faithful group have been a beautiful reminder that I am seen, and I am not alone.”

    - Stephanie

  • Story of Hope Ministries has been a lifeline for me during one of the darkest times in my life. After unexpectedly losing my husband of twenty years, I felt lost and overwhelmed as a new widow and single mother. While my community offered support, it was the understanding and compassion from this ministry that truly made a difference. Receiving a simple card and a gift card from another widowed mother made me feel seen and connected. Through Story of Hope, I found a sisterhood of widows who understand my struggles and have provided invaluable support—from practical help like finding a plumber to emotional encouragement and prayer. This group has not only helped me heal but has also inspired me to be a blessing to others. I am forever grateful for the hope and love they bring to our journeys. - Forever Grateful

    - Shelly

Get Involved

  • Story of Hope relies on your donations to help meet the needs of widows in our community. 

    Make A Donation

  • We host both large and small gathering for widows to meet and chat.

    Find Events

  • Here are some practical tips for how to navigate the early days of widowhood.

    Widow Resources

Know a new widow?

Our Care Packages are a simple way to support and encourage newly widowed women.

Fill out the form, and we’ll send a thoughtful package to remind her that she is seen and loved.