TAThe American Widow Project
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About The American Widow Project
When a military widow is grieving, support can begin with being understood by someone who has lived it. The American Widow Project brings military widows together through virtual grief retreats, shared stories, reading, community service, and free resources. Founded in Buda, Texas, in 2007, its healing network has reached thousands of military widows, including grieving spouses at any age or stage of loss.
The American Widow Project is founded and led by a military widow, with peer connection at the center of its work. Military widows can join a month-long virtual retreat, find a curated book club, share personal stories, and take part in service projects that honor their heroes with commemorative pavers at local veterans memorial sites.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Growing Through Grief Virtual Retreat
A month-long online retreat for military widows focused on self-awareness, compassion, self-efficacy, self-reflection, growth, and connection with fellow military widows.
AWP Welcome Pack
Free materials and resources that welcome military widows to the American Widow Project community and introduce them to its programs.
AWP Book Club
A reading and discussion program for military widows using a hand-selected library of fiction, memoirs, and metaphysical books. Participants read a selected book, join discussions, and provide reflective feedback.
Widow Stories
A space where military widows can share memories and personal stories to support connection and healing within the community.
Community Service Projects
Projects that involve military widows in providing hope and service in their own communities. Upon completion, grantees receive a commemorative paver with their hero’s name at a local veterans memorial site.
About this work
Mission
Empowering military widows to heal and rebuild their lives through connection, community, and growth.
Who they serve
Military widows, including grieving spouses at any age and stage of loss.
Their impact
- The organization’s healing network has reached thousands of military widows.
How your donation helps
- Helping military widows create their next chapter.
- Providing free materials and resources through the AWP Welcome Pack.
- Supporting connection, healing, and growth opportunities for military widows.
Need help?
How someone in need can access The American Widow Project’s services.
Military widows can join the AWP family by requesting a free AWP Welcome Pack, which provides materials and resources for entering the community. They can also register for available Growing Through Grief virtual retreats or AWP Book Club sessions and share their stories through the organization’s story platform. The organization describes itself as peer-based and directs people seeking VA benefits or financial information to the VA; it does not provide financial assistance.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I may remember. Involve me and I learn."
"No matter where you are….physically or mentally…you can take part in this intimate online retreat."
"I’m glad I found this site I wish I had someone close like you all have to survive this with."
Events
Growing Through Grief Virtual Retreat
Scheduled online offerings; listed Winter 2023 and Fall 2023A month-long virtual retreat that explores life and grief through the lens of gardening alongside fellow military widows.
AWP Book Club
One reading session per season; participants may sign up for one session per year unless openings are availableA seasonal reading session in which military widows receive a selected book, read it within three months, participate in discussions, and provide reflective feedback.
Recognition & press
Awards & recognition
- Taryn Davis was honored as a Top 10 CNN Hero.
- Taryn Davis was recognized as L’Oréal’s National Women of Worth.
- Taryn Davis was named among Newsweek’s 150 Women Shaking the World.
- Taryn Davis received the DVF People’s Voice award.
- Taryn Davis was recognized in Glamour Magazine’s 30 Under 30.
- Taryn Davis received the VH1 Do Something Award.
In the media
- A documentary film follows founder Taryn Davis on her early journey of grief and healing.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What is included in the AWP Welcome Pack?
The free welcome pack includes materials and resources that introduce military widows to The American Widow Project community and its programs. It also encourages recipients to watch a documentary about founder Taryn Davis’s early journey through grief and healing.
How does the Growing Through Grief Virtual Retreat work?
This intimate online retreat explores grief and life through the lens of gardening. Over the course of a month, participants take part in self-reflection, growth, and connection with fellow military widows.
How does the AWP Book Club work?
Participants receive a selected book from the organization’s curated library, read it within three months, join a small number of discussions with other members, and share reflective feedback. One reading session takes place each season, and participants may generally sign up for one session per year.
Can military widows participate from outside the United States?
Yes. The organization is shifting toward virtual programming so military widows worldwide can participate in its connection, empowerment, and service activities.
Can the American Widow Project provide financial assistance?
No. The American Widow Project is a peer-based support organization and does not offer financial assistance. Its support includes community connection, resources, virtual programming, and opportunities for military widows to share their stories.
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