The Jean Stein Bloch Wife Widow Woman program is a support group to help women who have lost their life partners. The program’s support network bridges the gap between grief and growth as women strive to meet life’s new challenges. The program is generously underwritten by Berger Memorial Chapel, Bernard and Sally Stein, Susan Turken, and Sign of the Arrow.

Who Do We Help?

Women may be of any age, race, or religious background. The program offers a non-judgmental atmosphere where they may freely express their feelings in a group setting. Recognizing emotions and sharing them with others assists participants as each begins to figure out their own path forward.

How Do We Help?

Each group in the Wife Widow Woman program is led by a professional social worker and a lay leader familiar with the realities of losing a partner. The program creates a support system in a safe, confidential, and nurturing atmosphere where common realities and challenges can be explored. Each session typically meets once a week, in person, for 12 weeks. Confidentiality and commitment to the group process are essential for a successful program. 

What Is Our Impact?

Many widows experience shock, loneliness, guilt, anger, and anguish with the loss of their companion, life partner, lover, friend, and confidante.

Participants find that the program offers a safe and supportive place to express themselves, comfort from knowing that others are listening and understanding, and opportunities to explore strategies for meeting life’s new challenges.

Since its inception in 1976, nearly 1,000 women have participated in the program. Their feedback consistently affirms the benefits of learning in a supportive environment composed of women who have experienced a loss.

More about Wife Widow Woman

To learn more about the Wife Widow Woman program, contact Renee Sigel-Hearst at rsigel-hearst@ncjwstl.org or call the office at 314.993.5181.

The women in my group quickly bonded over similar experiences. It was very comforting to know that we could be there for each other and are able to facilitate our own healing in the process.” 
Wife Widow Woman Participant