Widowed Persons OutreachWidowed Persons Outreach (WPO) is a free community service that has been providing bereavement support to newly widowed persons in our community since 1992. WPO has over 30 volunteers. Men and women who have been widowed themselves have taken our volunteer training and are now helping newly widowed people through their grief in a variety of ways, including one-on-one help, support groups, social activities, educational events and a bimonthly newsletter. For information, call the WPO office at 202-537-4942. NEXT STEPS ActivitiesIn addition to its ongoing support groups, WPO organizes a variety of social activities to help widows and widowers emerge from bereavement, particularly after the first two years of losing a spouse or partner. Volunteers organize luncheons at local restaurants, small group functions at private homes, tours, educational seminars and discussion groups. WPO Welcomes New VolunteersIf you have been widowed for over two years and would like to volunteer with WPO, call Marti Bailey at 202-660-5658. “We are always in need of volunteers — it is very rewarding,” says WPO volunteer Peg Masi. “Helping others in turn helps you. We all feel the need to repay the comfort and support we received when we needed it most.” |