Elaine has founded a unique ministry called Widow2Widow, Inc., to address the needs of widows. This year, the ministry became a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Widowed at 37, Elaine knows intimately the hurts and the needs widows have, and she formed this ministry to address them and those of widows’ families.

Through Widow2Widow, Inc., Elaine educates church groups and communities on the issues and needs of widowed wives. She has also helped create support groups across Tennessee and beyond, following up, educating, mentoring, and seeing through each group through the process. Over 156 such groups now administer to widows in seven states. Elaine hopes to add another 30 similar support groups by the end of 2004. Throughout the process, Elaine works in her ministry for very little pay, if any at all. Elaine founded the ministry completely on her own; it was a mission from her heart. There isn't much institutional or governmental funding for her work, but Elaine serves to minister to the hearts and spiritual growth of widows of all ages, races and religious affiliations.

There are other support groups for widows, but none are ministries such as this one. Elaine has devoted herself to being a spokesperson for an underserved segment of our community, since widows are often forgotten. She loves these ladies with all of her heart and wants to see them overcome their circumstance by showing them their own gifts, qualities, and strengths. Elaine ministers to the hearts and spirit of the widows she assists, so they may go and minister to others in kind.

My wife for less than three years, Elaine is a remarkable woman who has blessed the lives of so many, including this ol' heart of mine. Her outreach work and her personal efforts help widows reconnect with a sense of purpose in their lives and their importance to others, while continuing on their journey.

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