The death of a partner or spouse is excruciating--at any age. This loss feels particularly daunting during a time of life when few (if any) of one's peers truly know how it feels to be facing a future without their spouse or partner in it. Hardly anyone seems to 'get it.' Even the closest relationships just don't seem to 'fit' anymore.
Affiliating with safe, supportive people who understand how you feel is one of the best ways to begin grounding yourself in this new, unwanted life chapter. What's more, social support is a positive predictor of post-loss adjustment. These are the reasons The Seattle Young Widows Club was created.
I hope you'll consider joining our community.
What is The Seattle Young Widows Club?
The Seattle Young Widows Club is a series of community-building events that will provide you with safe, secure opportunities to connect with other adults (under 55 years of age) who have experienced the death of a partner or spouse.
The club offers periodic, informal gatherings throughout the year. Each gathering is carefully curated to provide high-quality, in-person connection with others who understand the nuances of early partner loss.
Who is eligible to attend club events?
Club events are open to current and former members of The Seattle Young Widows Support Groups and to members of the community, aged 55 and under, who have lost a partner or spouse.
Is The Seattle Young Widows Club for women only?
The Seattle Young Widows Club is open to all genders.
How often do The Seattle Young Widows Club events take place?
Events will be held anywhere from 6 - 12 times per year.
What kinds of events or activities does The Seattle Young Widows Club offer?
The Seattle Young Widows Club meetings will consist of an array of experiences that are designed for the purpose of working through grief and building community with fellow grief travelers.
Events may include (but are not limited to):
community potlucks
writing workshops
informal discussion groups (which may include Q & A with special guest speakers who are farther along the grief path)
board game nights
grief-related expressive art projects
flow/movement classes (for all experience levels) designed to help you feel strong in mind, body and spirit.
If you'd like to stay informed about future gatherings, please fill out the form below to be added to the mailing list.
When will the next Seattle Young Widows Club event take place? What are the details?
The next club event, "Putting Grief Into Words: A Writing Workshop" will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025. See details below.
What is the cost to attend The Seattle Young Widows Club events?
The cost of each event will vary from approximately $50 - $100, depending on the event.
Where will club events take place?
All events will take place in and around the greater Seattle area.Locations for each event will be provided to all who RSVP.
Do I have to attend every event to be part of The Seattle Young Widows Club?
No. Once you are on the mailing list, you are free to RSVP only to events that are of interest to you. Keep in mind that, the more events you attend, the easier it will be to build new connections with fellow members.
I'd like to join the club. How do I do that?
Easy! Fill out the membership request form (below). Once I receive your form, I'll be in touch to welcome you to the club and confirm that you've been added to the mailing list.
Members will be notified via email of all future events and how to RSVP for them. Each event will have a limited number of available spots, all of which will be offered on a first come, first served basis.You must RSVP in advance to attend each event.*
*Members who RSVP for the first time will be required to participate in a complimentary, one-time-only phone intake prior to attending an event. These intakes are a great way to get to know the organizer, get your questions answered, and to ascertain if club events are a good fit.
I look forward to hearing from you!
The Seattle Young Widows Club Presents:
Putting Grief Into Words: A Therapeutic Writing Workshop
The written word has been used throughout human history to keep emotions moving, transforming deep emotions, like sorrow, fear, and anger, into energy that can freely flow through us.
In this workshop, we’ll use words on the page – our own and those of others who have experienced deep loss – to express and explore grief. No prior writing experience is required.
The event will be co-hosted by Dr. Jill Gross and featured guest co-host, Dr. Bonnie Wolkenstein. Dr. Bonnie is a psychologist, writer, and photographer who has hosted writing workshops internationally. She is the author of 'Dreaming in Cantera/Sueños en Cantera (WordTech Editions, 2023). Her essays and poetry have been featured in La Presa, Penumbra, New Note,Poetica Magazine, The Good Life, Kansas City Voices, Drash: Northwest Mosaic, 56 Days of August, and (Re) An Ideas Journal.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday May 3, 2025 Time: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Location: The workshop will beheld near Greenlake (in Seattle). Exact location will be provided to all who RSVP.
Participation Fee: $75 per person (limit 10 participants)
To RSVP: If you have NOT filled out the membership request form (above) and you'd like to attend the event, please fill out the form. In the last text box, please mention that you'd like to attend the writing workshop. I will be in touch via email with next steps
If you have already filled out the membership form, there is no need to do that again. To RSVP, simply send an email to indicate your interest and I will follow up with further instructions.