Resources for Veterans and Active Military and Families

Veterans Crisis Lines and Resources for Veterans and Active Military Families

Veterans Crisis Line

24/7 confidential support. Call 988 then press 1 · Text 838255 ·Chat online

Phone SupportCall 988, then press 1

Text SupportText 838255

Online Chathttps://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat/

Availability24/7 · Every day

Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA)

Statewide gateway. Visithttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/

Aging Veteranshttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/Resources/Pages/Aging-Veterans.aspx

Caregivershttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/resources/pages/caregivers.aspx

Housinghttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/benefits/pages/long-term-care.aspx

LGBTQ+ Veteranshttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/agency-programs/Pages/default.aspx

Women Veteranshttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/

Benefitshttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/

National Resource Directory (NRD)

Nationwide directory. Visithttps://nrd.gov/

Healthcarehttps://www.nrd.gov/health

Employmenthttps://www.nrd.gov/employment

Educationhttps://www.nrd.gov/education-training

Housinghttps://www.nrd.gov/housing

Family Supporthttps://www.nrd.gov/family-caregiver-support

Benefitshttps://www.nrd.gov/benefits-compensation

Peer Supporthttps://www.nrd.gov/other-services-resources

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Veterans Affairshttps://www.va.gov/

Oregon ODVA Directoryhttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/

Find All Serviceshttps://nrd.gov/

ABOUT RESOURCES FOR VETERANS

Oregon’s veteran services ecosystem connects veterans, active military personnel, families, and caregivers to crisis support, healthcare, benefits navigation, employment assistance, housing, education, and peer support through partnerships among ODVA, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, nonprofit organizations, and community-based providers. All services listed are free or low-cost and available to eligible veterans, service members, families, and caregivers.

DISCLAIMER

All information is shared as a courtesy for educational purposes only. This is not a substitute for professional care, legal advice, or emergency services. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. For mental health crises or suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 or 988 then press 1 (Veterans Crisis Line). Contact providers to verify hours, eligibility, and availability.

Veterans Resources, Recovery, Mental Health, Assistance and Information

VA Resource Navigator

The VA Resource Navigator is a simple tool. It helps you access and understands the VA benefits you’ve earned. This go-to guide provides trusted web links, phone numbers, and QR codes to VA services and benefits.

Find information about:

• VA Locations
• Records
• Health Care
• Disability and Benefits
• Education and Training
• Housing Assistance
• Careers and Employment
• Family member, caregiver, and survivor benefits
• Pension
• Burials and Memorials

Download your own copy by clicking the Resources link or image below. Pass this website along to others so they too can learn about the VA Resource Navigator.

https://www.prevention.va.gov/PCL/PCL-VA-Navigator.asp

LOCATE VETERANS SERVICES IN OREGON

OREGON DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Resources are available to Oregon veterans, family members, and caregivers,

Select Title Below To Learn More About Services by Group.

Who Is a Veteran?

Aging Veterans

Caregivers

Homeless Veterans

Justice-Involved Veterans

LGBTQ+ Veterans

Student Veterans

Trauma Information

Tribal Veterans

Veterans in Crisis

Women Veterans

Find Services by County and Throughout the state 

Locate a Veteran Services Office

All Services Statewide

Campus Veteran Services

County Services Directory

County Veteran Services Offices

Transportation Services

Tribal Veteran Service Offices

Veteran Memorials

Home Loans

Oregon Veterans’ Homes

Connect With ODVA

Benefits & Programs

Agency Programs

National Resource Directory (NRD)

https://nrd.gov/

The National Resource Directory (NRD) is a resource website that connects wounded warriors, Service Members, Veterans, their families, and caregivers to programs and services that support them. The NRD is hosted, managed, maintained, sustained and developed by the Defense Health Agency’s Recovery Coordination Program.

It provides access to services and resources at the national, state and local levels to support recovery, rehabilitation and community reintegration. Visitors can find information on a variety of topics that supply an abundance of vetted resources. For help finding resources on the site, visit the How to Use this site section of the NRD. Please see below for some of our major categories.

• American Red Cross
• Benefits & Compensation
• Choose Home
• Community of Care
• Education & Training
• Employment
• Family & Caregiver Support
• Health
• Homeless Assistance
• Housing
• Military Adaptive Sports Program
• Other Services & Resources
• Portfolio of Veterans Benefits (PVB)
• Transportation & Travel

The National Recovery Directory is a partnership among the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. Information contained within the NRD is from federal, state, and local government agencies; Veteran and military service organizations; non-profit and community-based organizations; academic institutions and professional associations that provide assistance to wounded warriors and their families.

GLOSSARIES

Find definitions to commonly used terms in VA, DoD, DOL, and other federal government agencies.

Learn More

RECOVERY DIRECTORY FACT SHEET

Get to know your NRD: why it was created, who operates it, and all the resources meant for you.

Learn More

Dual Diagnosis Anonymous

DDA Veterans Page

“You protected us, now we support you!”

https://ddainc.org/dda-veterans-page

DDA was founded by a highly decorated veteran, Corbett Monica. After serving in the Vietnam War, like other veterans, returning to home only find anguish, trauma, and remorse. After suffering from severe PTSD, OCD, survivors guilt, and addictions, Corbett found a way to transcend from destructive means with the inception of Dual Diagnosis Anonymous (DDA) providing hope and recovery through our peer support which is now his legacy.

Culturally responsive DDA’s Veterans meetings are intended to provide a safe venue to be open about depression, post-traumatic stress, alcohol and drug use, abuse, and addiction as well as serve as a resource for navigation of the telehealth system, It will encourage healthy solutions for adapting to the changing times. Specifically. the project will Improve access for Veterans and military service members to dual diagnosis services through the creation of on-line recovery support groups and on-line DDA meetings.

This project will serve Veterans throughout the state and is beginning outreach through Veterans publications, local newspapers, the VA, Veterans websites, list services, and anything else that will help identify Oregonians who can use the services.

Give our Central Office a call at (503)-222-6484

Join our Private Online Group the DDA Veterans Resource Group and Chatroom:

Join Our Facebook Chatroom

US DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

PTSD: National Center for PTSD

https://www.ptsd.va.gov/

We are the world’s leading research and educational center of excellence on PTSD and traumatic stress.

PTSD is a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening or traumatic event. If symptoms last more than a few months, it may be PTSD. The good news is that there are effective treatments. Use these links to for information and assistance.

VA Healthcare – Community Care network

https://www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/providers/Community_Care_Network.asp

VA’s Center for Women Veterans (CWV)

https://www.va.gov/womenvet/

Minority Veterans of America

https://www.minorityvets.org/

Veteran Centers in Oregon

Central Oregon Vet Center

Eugene Vet Center

Grants Pass Vet Center

Portland Vet Center

Salem Vet Center

Community Based Outpatient Clinics in Oregon:

f

Grants Pass West VA CBOC

Hillsboro CBOC

Klamath Falls CBOC

La Grande CBOC

Lincoln City Clinic

North Bend VA Clinic

Community Resource and Referral Center (CRRC)

Salem CBOC

North Coast CBOC

Defense Health Agency

Improving Health and Building Readiness. Anytime, Anywhere – Always

We are an integrated combat support agency, with a global team of nearly 130,000 civilians and military personnel, serving 9.5M beneficiaries and supporting 700+ hospitals and clinics in the Military Health System.

As a part of the Military Health System, we’re privileged to manage a global health system. Through TRICARE, we deliver health care to 9.5 million patients around the world. In our role as a Combat Support Agency, we provide medical support to the Army, Navy and Air Force.

USE THIS LINK TO FIND MEDICAL CARE

Military Children Resources

Military kids face unique psychological challenges related to military life. Compared to their non-military peers, military kids are many times more likely to move multiple times during their school careers and have a parent absent for long periods of time in potentially dangerous locations – factors that can greatly stress military kids’ mental health.

The Defense Health Agency maintains two online resources to support military children, use the links provided below:

Sesame Street for Military Families is a free, bilingual (English and Spanish) website where families can find information and multimedia resources on the topics of military deployments, multiple deployments, homecomings, injuries, grief, and self-expression.

RESOURCES  BY TOPIC AREA

Behavioral Health

BeyondTheMilitaryUniform.com
URL: https://beyondthemilitaryuniform.com/
Program: Community Connection and Wellness Resources

Eugene Vet Center / U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
URL: https://www.va.gov/eugene-vet-center/
Program: Confidential Counseling and Support Services

K9s For Warriors: https://k9sforwarriors.org/ (Service Dogs for Veterans with PTSD)

K9 Partners for Patriots: https://k9partnersforpatriots.com/ (Service Dogs for Veterans)

Lines for Life – Military Helpline
URL: https://www.linesforlife.org/get-help-now/services-and-crisis-lines/military-helpline/
Program: 24/7 Military Crisis and Support Helpline

NAMI Multnomah
URL: https://www.namimultnomah.org/
Program: Mental Health Support, Education, and Advocacy

Oregon Health Authority – Behavioral Health Division
URL: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/hsd/amh/pages/index.aspx
Program: Statewide Behavioral Health Services and Support

VA Portland Health Care System
URL: https://www.va.gov/portland-health-care/
Program: Comprehensive Veterans Health Care Services

Portland VA Suicide Prevention Team
URL: https://www.va.gov/portland-health-care/ (Main system page)
Program: Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Services

Salem Vet Center
URL: https://www.va.gov/salem-vet-center/
Program: Confidential Counseling and Support Services

Burial & Survivor Assistance

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Survivor Assistance and Memorial Benefits
URL: https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/
Program: Burial Benefits and Survivor Support

VA Burial Benefits
URL: https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/
Program: Burial and Memorial Benefits

Business & Entrepreneurship

Business Oregon – COBID
URL: https://www.oregon.gov/biz/programs/cobid/pages/default.aspx
Program: Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity

Oregon Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network
URL: https://www.oregonsbdc.org/
Program: Small Business Development and Counseling

Claims & Benefits

Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) Appeals Team
URL: https://www.oregon.gov/odva/pages/default.aspx
Program: State Veterans Affairs Services and Appeals

Benton County Veteran Services
URL: https://www.oregon.gov/odva/services/pages/counties/benton.aspx
Program: County Veteran Service Office

Lincoln County Veteran Service Office
URL: https://www.oregon.gov/odva/services/pages/counties/lincoln.aspx
Program: County Veteran Service Office

Portland VA Regional Office (VBA)
URL: https://www.va.gov/portland-va-regional-benefit-office/
Program: Veterans Benefits Administration

Education

ODVA Campus Resource Coordinators
URL: https://www.oregon.gov/odva/pages/default.aspx
Program: Campus-Based Veteran Support

Veterans Educational Bridge Grant
URL: https://www.oregon.gov/odva/services/pages/education.aspx
Program: Educational Financial Assistance

Veteran Education (State Approving Agency)
URL: https://www.oregon.gov/odva/services/pages/education.aspx
Program: Education Program Approval and Oversight

Chemeketa Community College
URL: https://www.chemeketa.edu/veterans/
Program: Veterans Services and Educational Support

Oregon State University
URL: https://veterans.oregonstate.edu/
Program: Veterans and Military Services

Portland State University
URL: https://www.pdx.edu/student-veteran-resource-center/
Program: Student Veteran Resource Center

Emergency Aid

American Legion – Department of Oregon
URL: https://www.orlegion.org/
Program: Veterans Support and Community Service

211info
URL: https://www.211info.org/
Program: Information and Referral Services

Oregon Veterans’ Emergency Financial Assistance Grant
URL: https://www.oregon.gov/odva/services/pages/emergency-financial-assistance.aspx
Program: Emergency Financial Assistance for Veterans

Employment & Workforce

DPSST – Dept. of Public Safety Standards and Training
URL: https://www.oregon.gov/dpsst/pages/index.aspx
Program: Public Safety Standards and Training

Easterseals Oregon – Veterans Programs
URL: https://www.easterseals.com/oregon/
Program: Veterans Employment and Support Services

Goodwill HVRP – Veteran Connections
URL: https://www.goodwill-oregon.org/
Program: Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program

Oregon Department of Corrections – Veteran Hiring
URL: https://www.oregon.gov/doc/
Program: Veteran Employment Opportunities

Oregon Employment Department – Veteran Services
URL: https://www.oregon.gov/employ/businesses/veterans/pages/default.aspx
Program: Veteran Employment Services

Vocational Rehabilitation Services – Oregon
URL: https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/seniors-disabilities/vr/pages/index.aspx
Program: Vocational Rehabilitation Services

OSBEELS – State Licensing
URL: https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/licensing/pages/index.aspx
Program: Building Codes Division Licensing

Family & Caregivers

Oregon Child Support Program
URL: https://www.oregon.gov/doj/child-support/pages/default.aspx
Program: Child Support Services

Returning Veterans Project
URL: https://www.returningveterans.org/
Program: Mental Health and Family Support Services

Health Care

Oregon Health Authority – Behavioral Health & Oral Health
URL: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/hsd/amh/pages/index.aspx
Program: Behavioral Health Services

Portland VA Health Care System – M2VA Program
URL: https://www.va.gov/portland-health-care/
Program: Military to VA Transition Program

VA NCRAR – Auditory Research
URL: https://www.va.gov/PORTLANDRESEARCH/
Program: National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research

Housing & Homeless Services

ODVA ORVET Home Loan Program
URL: https://www.oregon.gov/odva/services/pages/home-loan.aspx
Program: Oregon Veteran Home Loan Program

ODVA Houseless Veteran Program & Emergency Financial Assistance
URL: https://www.oregon.gov/odva/services/pages/emergency-financial-assistance.aspx
Program: Homeless Veterans Support and Emergency Aid

Oregon Department of Revenue
URL: https://www.oregon.gov/dor/pages/index.aspx
Program: Tax Services and Veterans Property Tax Exemptions

Oregon Housing and Community Services
URL: https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/pages/index.aspx
Program: Housing Assistance and Community Development

VETcare, WestCare Oregon
URL: https://vetcareoregon.org/
Program: Veterans Housing and Reintegration Services

Justice & Legal

Disability Rights Oregon
URL: https://www.disabilityrightsoregon.org/
Program: Disability Rights Advocacy and Legal Services

ODVA Incarcerated Veterans Program
URL: https://www.oregon.gov/odva/pages/default.aspx
Program: Support for Incarcerated Veterans

Oregon Judicial Department
URL: https://www.courts.oregon.gov/
Program: State Court System and Veterans Treatment Courts

Long-Term Care & Senior Support

ODVA Conservatorship and Representative Payee Services
URL: https://www.oregon.gov/odva/pages/default.aspx
Program: Financial Management Services

Oregon Veterans’ Homes (The Dalles & Lebanon)
URL: https://www.oregon.gov/odva/services/pages/veterans-homes.aspx
Program: Long-Term Care Facilities for Veterans

Residential Facilities Ombudsman
URL: https://www.oregon.gov/ltco/pages/index.aspx
Program: Long-Term Care Ombudsman Services

Recreation

Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife – Vets License Programs
URL: https://www.dfw.state.or.us/
Program: Disabled Veteran Hunting and Fishing License Program

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
URL: https://www.oregonstateparks.org/
Program: Parks Access and Recreation Programs

Service & Advocacy Organizations

Gold Star Wives of America
URL: https://www.goldstarwives.org/
Program: Support for Military Widows

Marine Corps League – State of Oregon & Local Detachments
URL: https://www.mcloregon.com/
Program: Marine Corps Veterans Support

Military Order of the Purple Heart – Oregon Chapter
URL: https://www.purpleheart.org/
Program: Combat-Wounded Veterans Support

Oregon Military Museum Project
URL: Specific URL not found

Oregon Talking Book & Braille Library
URL: https://www.oregon.gov/osl/tbbls/pages/index.aspx
Program: Accessible Reading Materials

Wounded Warrior Project
URL: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
Program: Wounded Veteran Support Services

Special Advocacy

Aging Veteran Outreach / Volunteer Program
No central URL – Community-based programs

Office of Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06)
URL: https://salinas.house.gov/
Program: Congressional Veterans Services

LGBTQ+ Veterans
URL: https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health/lgbtq/
Program: LGBTQ+ Veteran Support Services

Tribal Veterans Programs
URL: Various tribal websites and VA programs

Women Veterans Coordinators – ODVA
URL: https://www.oregon.gov/odva/pages/default.aspx
Program: Women Veterans Support Services

Transportation

Cherriots – Regional Bus Services
URL: https://www.cherriots.org/
Program: Public Transportation Services

Oregon DMV (ODOT)
URL: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/index.aspx
Program: Driver and Motor Vehicle Services

Highly Rural Veteran Transportation Grant (ODVA)
URL: https://www.oregon.gov/odva/pages/default.aspx
Program: Rural Veteran Transportation Support

Welcome to Well Connected

Call us directly at 877-797-7299.

Well Connected is a nationwide phone and online community that brings people age 60+
together to learn, laugh, and share experiences from the comfort of home.

Well Connected is a Front Porch service and is free of charge to individual members Front Porch is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals to live connected and fulfilled lives through community and innovation.

This is a community where you can explore, laugh, learn, and share experiences, building caring friendships along the way.

Well Connected is available 365 days a year, free of charge to participants 60 and up.

Call us directly at 877-797-7299.

These programs are available by phone and online, for free, nationwide.
Questions? We’re here to help: 877-797-7299 / [email protected]

How to Use the Friendship Line

Just call. No appointment. No application. No pressure.

Get Started

Postpartum Depression Warmlines

These services provide emotional support, guidance, and connection 24 hours a day.

24/7 Support Resources

Postpartum Support International (PSI)

Availability: Available 24 hours/day

Phone: 1-800-944-4773 (Call) / Text 800-944-4773 (EN/ES)

24/7 phone and text support, peer-led and clinician-moderated groups, multilingual resources, and referrals for postpartum depression, anxiety, and other perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

Registration Link: https://postpartum.net/

Provider Website: https://postpartum.net/

WellMama Oregon Warmline

Availability: Available 24 hours/day

Phone: 1-800-896-0410

Oregon-based perinatal mental health warmline providing emotional support, peer connection, and navigation to local and statewide services for pregnant and postpartum people.

Registration Link: https://www.wellmama.help/

Provider Website: https://www.wellmama.help/

Perinatal Support of Washington Warmline

Availability: Available 24 hours/day

Phone: 1-888-404-7763

Statewide Washington warmline offering 24/7 emotional support, information, and referrals related to perinatal mental health for parents and caregivers.

Registration Link: https://perinatalsupport.org/

Provider Website: https://perinatalsupport.org/

AARP

SENIOR PLANET

Senior Chatters – Online Community for 50+

About Senior Chatters:
Senior Chatters is a free, members-only online platform for people aged 50 and over. vv

Join the Community:

1. Go to the registration page: https://seniorchatters.co.uk/register/
2. Enter your email, confirm it, create a password, and choose a nickname.
3. Submit the form to create your account.
4. Log in and start chatting in the chat rooms or private messages.

Key Features:

• Chat Rooms: Real-time conversations with peers in age-specific rooms.
• Private Messaging: One-on-one chats with other members.
• Blogs & Activity Streams: Share thoughts and experiences.
• Photo Albums: Showcase hobbies, travels, or life events.
• Games & Quizzes: Interactive fun to engage with the community.

Safety & Moderation:
Profiles are manually checked to ensure authenticity and a secure environment free from scammers.

Learn More: https://seniorchatters.co.uk/

Senior Chatters – Online Community for 50+

About Senior Chatters:
Senior Chatters is a free, members-only online platform for people aged 50 and over. It allows older adults to connect, socialize, and make friends through chat rooms, private messaging, and community activities in a safe and welcoming environment.

Join the Community:

1. Go to the registration page: https://seniorchatters.co.uk/register/
2. Enter your email, confirm it, create a password, and choose a nickname.
3. Submit the form to create your account.
4. Log in and start chatting in the chat rooms or private messages.

Key Features:

• Chat Rooms: Real-time conversations with peers in age-specific rooms.
• Private Messaging: One-on-one chats with other members.
• Blogs & Activity Streams: Share thoughts and experiences.
• Photo Albums: Showcase hobbies, travels, or life events.
• Games & Quizzes: Interactive fun to engage with the community.

Safety & Moderation:
Profiles are manually checked to ensure authenticity and a secure environment free from scammers.

Learn More: https://seniorchatters.co.uk/

Stitch

Online Community for Adults 50+

About Stitch:
Stitch is a free online platform for adults over 50 to find companionship, join virtual activities, and connect with like-minded peers. It provides a safe, moderated environment for socializing without leaving home.

Join the Community:

1. Visit the Stitch registration page: https://www.stitch.net/app/signup
2. Enter your email, create a password, and provide basic profile details.
3. Verify your account through the confirmation email.
4. Log in to access online groups, virtual events, and messaging features.

Key Online Features:

• Virtual Activities & Events: Participate in online dinners, discussion groups, webinars, and hobby-based meetups.
• Interest-Based Online Communities: Join groups focused on topics like travel, wellness, books, or games.
• Messaging & Forums: Chat with members individually or in group discussions to build friendships online.

Safety & Privacy:
All members are verified to be over 50, and Stitch uses secure encryption to protect personal information.

Learn More: https://www.stitch.net/

Televenda

Televeda offers a range of free, virtual classes designed to promote wellness, creativity, and social connection among older adults. These interactive sessions are accessible from home via any internet-enabled device, with no downloads or passwords required.

Virtual Offerings

• Fitness & Movement: Engage in Zumba Gold, chair yoga, strength training, and Tai Chi classes tailored for all fitness levels. televeda.com

• Creative Arts: Participate in online painting, Zentangle, and creative writing workshops that encourage self-expression and relaxation. televeda.com

• Games & Social Activities: Join in free online bingo, brain games, and book clubs to stay mentally active and socially connected. televeda.com

How to Join

• Create a free account at Televeda to Join use this link:   JOIN CLASS

The Sisterhood of Widows

The Sisterhood of Widows is an online support community created by Mary Francis—widow, author, coach, and certified grief recovery specialist—to help you feel heard, understood, and less alone as you rebuild your life after loss. The organization focuses on recovery and healing rather than grief and death alone, offering compassionate support from widows who truly understand.

Support Offerings

The Sisterhood of Widows—Private Group for Widows

A safe, women-only private Facebook community where widows of all ages and all widow types gather to share, support, and encourage one another. Members discuss coping with anger, guilt, loneliness, and life rebuilding questions. The group welcomes widows regardless of when they were widowed, the circumstances of their loss, or their marital history. No men are admitted to this community.

Format: Virtual (private Facebook group)

Cost: FREE

Platform: Facebook Group — https://www.facebook.com/groups/978959175474991/

Blog Archive—15 Years of Grief Support Writing

An extensive archive of Mary Francis’s writings spanning 2010–2025, containing guidance, encouragement, and personal insights on widowhood. This preserved collection remains available as a resource to return to whenever needed. Topics include healing after loss, dealing with difficult emotions, rebuilding life, and understanding the widow journey. While the blog no longer includes new posts, the entire archive is freely accessible for ongoing support and learning.

Format: On-demand (online archive)

Cost: FREE

Platform: Online Archive — https://www.sisterhoodofwidows.com

Additional Resources

Primary Resources and Contact Information

The Sisterhood of Widows—https://www.sisterhoodofwidows.com · Main website with blog archive and group access information

About The Sisterhood of Widows

The Sisterhood of Widows was created to address a critical gap in grief support services: the unique and often isolating experience of widowhood. Founded by Mary Francis, who was widowed at age fifty, the organization began with a mission to help widows feel less alone and more supported as they navigate the complex journey of grief and recovery.

Mary Francis brings both personal lived experience and professional expertise to this work. She is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist and Early Intervention Field Traumatologist who has dedicated her career to supporting widows around the world. Her approach emphasizes that grief is emotional, not intellectual, and that all feelings associated with loss are normal and natural. She rejects harmful myths about grief—such as the notion that time alone heals all wounds or that grieving people should simply stay busy—and instead offers practical, compassionate guidance grounded in the widow experience.

The Sisterhood serves widows of all backgrounds, life stages, and circumstances. Members include young and older widows, those newly grieving and those widowed for years, widows who plan never to remarry and those who are actively dating or remarried. Widows welcome include those widowed by cancer, accident, suicide, and other causes; those from perfect, struggling, or difficult marriages; and those in legal marriages, common-law partnerships, engagements, or same-sex partnerships. This inclusive approach recognizes that widows are a diverse group with unique but equally valid experiences.

The Sisterhood offers two primary support channels: a women-only private Facebook community where members share small victories and difficult days, offer encouragement, and provide practical tips for handling paperwork, holidays, and everyday life after loss; and a preserved blog archive spanning 2010–2025 containing years of Mary’s writing on grief recovery, healing, emotional processing, and rebuilding life. Both resources are free and available 24/7, ensuring that widows can access support whenever they need it.