Widows and widowers in the group range in age from 20 to 58, about 20 years younger than the traditional widowed population. Many are parents of very young or school-age children and all subscribe to our philosophy of turning grief into growth. Younger widowed persons have needs not addressed by other groups, a fact that led to the formation of YWW in 1983. The organization has evolved into several chapters that service younger widowed persons in eastern Massachusetts. First , there are weekly Phase I meetings open to all young widowed persons.
Emphasis is on support for the newly bereaved from peers guided by qualified facilitators.
These meetings become the dynamic products of the members in attendance, governed by what their needs are at the time. Participants talk, listen, cry and laugh. They are free to discuss either common issues or personal problems, or they may simply remain silent. Second , there is the Phase II program for those who have been widowed longer. All YWW meetings provide a safe place where young widowed persons can share experiences and give and receive mutual support.