Widow Match Program Launched This unique program provides widows with the opportunity to support each other

Michele Neff Hernandez of Simi Valley, California, a widow of more than two years, is reaching out to other widows with the launch of Widow Match. Widow Match is a program offering widows the opportunity to support each other via the Internet.

When Michele Neff Hernandez lost her husband to a tragic accident in 2005, family and friends rallied around her and provided immense support during this difficult period in her life. But, for Michele, the most invaluable support came from a friend who knew the difficulties of widowhood. “I was able to talk to her about things other people (family members and friends) could not understand. By talking to this friend who was also a widow, I found comfort in knowing that I was not alone,” said Michele Hernandez.

Hernandez sought out other widows to talk to about coping with the death of a spouse. In the course of one year, she visited 28 widows across the country, traveling as far as Alaska. From her experience of bonding with these widows, Hernandez developed the idea for creating Widow Match.

Widow Match is a program designed to provide an opportunity for widows of similar circumstances to offer each other support and understanding via the Internet. “There are so many questions you have as a widow. Basic questions, such as when do I stop wearing my wedding ring or what should I do with my husband’s clothes? Discussing ideas about these kinds of things with someone in the same situation is so helpful,” said Hernandez.

Through Widow Match, widows can share their experiences with another widow and offer one another comfort in ways that a family member cannot. Widow Match is not intended to take the place of professional counseling and is not a forum for spiritual guidance. “It is my hope that this program will in some way help widows work through their grief and begin to heal,” said Hernandez.

The Widow Match program is open to all widows and anyone wanting to sign up for the program may do so by logging onto the Web site at www.widowsbond.com. Click on the widow match tab and simply fill out the required fields. Since the official launch of the program, more than 150 widows have been matched.

For more information about Michele Neff Hernandez and the Widow Match program, visit www.widowsbond.com