Significant Legislative Victory for Widow Advocacy

THANK YOU NEW JERSEY!

We are overjoyed to share a monumental legislative victory for widow advocacy in New Jersey! True to your nickname as the Garden State, you certainly know how to help people blossom and thrive!

After years of MWC dedication, June 23, International Widows Day—a global day of awareness for widow support, first ratified by the United Nations in 2015—has now been made official by NJ Senate for the very first time. This is incredibly important because it serves as a vital check on the executive branch at the state level while also acting as a testing ground for national policy initiatives. By addressing issues locally, it paves the way for more effective solutions before they reach the federal stage.

This milestone began with a special request to New Jersey Senator Gordon M. Johnson on 6/6/22, initiated by wister® Angelica Berrie, President of the Russell Berrie Foundation as a passionate supporter of Modern Widows Club®| The Movement for Widow Care (MWC) mission.

The journey of this initiative included reviews by several NJ Senate committees, including the Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee, before finally passing in the Community Development and Women’s Affairs Committee. On September 12, 2024, Bill SJR30 was successfully enacted, marking a historic step forward for widow awareness and advocacy!

With heartfelt gratitude, I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who voted YES! Your support means the world to widows in our community and around this nation. You are the trail blazers we’ve hoped for.

Carolyn Moor, Founder and President of Modern Widows Club® | The Movement for Widow Care (MWC), authored the original proclamation language for the official submission, which can be viewed at this link:

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A JOINT RESOLUTION designating June 23 of each year as “International Widows’ Day.”

WHEREAS, According to the United Nations, there are an estimated 260 million widows around the world, and nearly one in ten live in extreme poverty; and

WHEREAS, In the United States, one million women become widowed each year; and

WHEREAS, Seventy percent of all married women will be widowed in their lifetime; and

WHEREAS, Many widows are far younger than one may guess, as the median age of a widow is 59, according to the United States Census Bureau; and

WHEREAS, Widows are often unsupported by our country’s social services, programs, and policies; and

WHEREAS, Many widows face challenges even years after the loss of a loved one, including financial and legal difficulties, mental and physical health issues, and the loss of health insurance; and

WHEREAS, It is important to draw attention to the experiences and realities of widows, including the need for increased bereavement

leave, changes to Social Security regulations regarding widows, and the plight of widows in other countries; and

WHEREAS, It is altogether fitting and proper to designate June 23 of each year as “International Widows’ Day”; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate and General Assembly of the

State of New Jersey:

1. June 23 of each year is designated “International Widows’ Day” to draw attention to the plight of widows in this nation and abroad.

2. The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation and call upon public officials, and all citizens of this State, to observe “International Widows’ Day” with appropriate programs and activities.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

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AND THERE’S MORE….

This is perfect timing for the several important publications and digital products issued for public health professionals, nonprofit organizations and faith based organizations who work within the bereavement and grief space.

The (SAMSHA) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration announced new tip sheets and fact sheets:

‘Fact Sheet For Survivors of Loss’

‘Tip Sheet: How to Support A Person Who Is Grieving the Loss Of A Life’.

‘Fact Sheet for People Helping Children and Youth Survivors of Loss’

‘Tip Sheet: How to Support a Child Through Grief’

‘Tips for Survivors of a Disaster or Traumatic Event: What to Expect in Your Personal, Family, Work, and Financial Life’.

SAMSHA has recognized them under People At-Risk as a Population and Mental Health for the General Public and Practitioner/ Professionals. This is what we hoped for. These are publications for grieving families, parents, caregivers, family and advocates, nonprofits and faith based organizations.

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AND THERE’S EVEN MORE….. Widows’ Health & Wellbeing Day +

Mark your calendars and join us for an inspiring day!

Event: 2025 Widows’ Health & Wellbeing Day

Location: Orlando, FL

Date: Saturday, June 21

Time: 9-5pm ET

This empowering event features an incredible lineup of speakers covering key health and wellbeing topics like emotional and mental health, physical wellness, financial stability, relationships, spiritual growth, fun/ creativity, and finding purpose and meaning. Breakfast and lunch are included—don’t miss this opportunity to connect and grow! All widows are welcome to join us! Registration opens next month, but here’s an exclusive perk: *Widow Life* paid subscribers will receive priority access during a special registration window. Don’t miss this opportunity—become a subscriber today and secure your spot early!