Top 10 Online Communities for Widows: Finding Connection
Widow: A woman who has lost their spouse or partner by death.
Losing a spouse is one of life's most profound challenges. The journey through grief can feel isolating, especially for young widows who may find that friends and family, despite their best intentions, struggle to truly understand. That's where online communities become invaluable—spaces where widows can connect with others who genuinely get it.
Below, I've compiled ten active, supportive online communities where widows between ages 18 to 50 can find understanding, encouragement, and friendship during one of life's most difficult transitions.
1. Soaring Spirits International
Website: soaringspirits.org
Soaring Spirits is one of the most comprehensive widow support organizations available. Founded by a widow for widows, this organization offers multiple ways to connect.
What They Offer:
Widowed Village: A 24/7 online community with forums, blogs, and discussion groups
Camp Widow: Weekend retreats and one-day events across the U.S. and internationally
Regional Social Groups: In-person meetups in cities across North America
Widow's Voice Blog: The largest collection of blogs written by widowed people
Widowed Pen Pals: Email connection program
Best For: Widows seeking both online and in-person connections with comprehensive resources
2. r/widowers on Reddit
Platform: Reddit
Link: Search "r/widowers" on Reddit
With over 26,000 members, r/widowers is one of the most active online grief communities. Despite its name, this subreddit welcomes anyone who has lost a companion, regardless of gender or marital status.
What Makes It Special:
Anonymous, judgment-free space for raw honesty
Active community with people at all stages of grief
Younger demographic than many in-person groups
Members share everything from late-night struggles to practical questions about finances
Home to the famous "Shipwrecks" grief passage that many find comforting
Best For: Those who want anonymity and real-time connection, especially younger widows who feel out of place in traditional support groups
3. Modern Widows Club
Website: modernwidowsclub.org
Instagram: @modernwidowsclub
Modern Widows Club is a comprehensive women's health organization specifically designed for widows navigating the journey from grief to growth.
What They Offer:
Local and virtual support communities
Specialized support clubs for different interests and needs
Educational webinars and e-courses
Events and workshops
Widow Life® app with self-care and mental health content
Strong advocacy efforts for widow-related policy issues
Best For: Widows looking for structured programming and a pathway approach to healing
4. The Sisterhood of Widows (Facebook Group)
Website: sisterhoodofwidows.com
Facebook: Search "The Sisterhood of Widows – Private Group for Widows"
This community has been supporting widows for over 15 years and includes a private Facebook group with over 11,000 members worldwide.
What They Offer:
Private Facebook community (women only)
Extensive blog archive with guidance and personal stories
Free downloadable grief guides
Focus on recovery and building a new life, not just grief
Best For: Widows seeking a large, established Facebook community with a positive, forward-looking focus
5. The W Connection
Website: widowsconnection.org
Created by widows for widows, The W Connection offers a national network of support programs tailored to different stages of the grief journey.
What They Offer:
Weekly peer-led support topic meetings
W Chat groups for those ready to reimagine their futures
Monthly young widow-specific meetings
Wellness webinars with experts
Both online and in-person options
National organization with international reach
Best For: Widows who want structured, peer-led support with options for different stages of their journey
6. Hope for Widows Foundation
Website: hopeforwidows.org
Facebook private group: "Hope Connect"
Instagram: @hopeforwidows
Twitter/X: @Hope4Widows
LinkedIn and YouTube channels
Hope for Widows Foundation is a free nonprofit organization providing comprehensive support to widows through online peer support and resources.
What They Offer:
Private Facebook peer support group (requires approval)
Free membership with no fees
Educational resources and guides
Community-focused approach
Women-only private support space
Best For: Widows looking for a vetted, private Facebook community with no membership costs
7. DayNew Platform
Platforms: App Store, Google Play, Web
Website: Search "DayNew grief support"
Instagram: @daynewapp
Founded by two widow entrepreneurs, DayNew is an innovative all-in-one platform designed specifically for people dealing with grief, trauma, and loss.
What They Offer:
Social community feed for support requests
Personalized task management for overwhelming administrative duties
ChatGPT-powered AI emotional support tool
Educational content and workshops
Virtual classes and in-person retreats
Support for various types of loss, not just widowhood
Best For: Tech-savvy widows who want a digital tool combining social support, practical task management, and educational resources
8. Instagram Widow Community
Platform: Instagram
Instagram hosts a vibrant community of widow influencers and support accounts that share their journeys through grief and rebuilding.
Notable Accounts to Follow:
@whitneylynallen (222K+ followers): Grief support and empowerment
@spilledmilkmamma (199K+ followers): Navigating life as a widow and mom
@cocoscaravan (291K+ followers): Community and memory preservation
@adrianasansam (272K+ followers): Healing out loud, hosts Just for Today podcast
@modernwidowsclub (14K+ followers): Official Modern Widows Club account
Best For: Widows who want daily inspiration, visual storytelling, and connection through Instagram's more personal format
9. Widowed Village
Website: Part of Soaring Spirits International (soaringspirits.org)
Widowed Village is the online community arm of Soaring Spirits, offering focused forums and connection opportunities.
What They Offer:
Specialized forums for different types of loss and circumstances
Age and location-based connection options
Carefully screened membership
Available 24/7 from anywhere
Blog platform for sharing your story
Best For: Widows wanting a structured online forum with specific subgroups for their situation
10. American Widow Project
Website: Search "American Widow Project"
Instagram: @americanwidow
Specifically designed for military widows, the American Widow Project provides specialized support for those who've lost military spouses or partners.
What They Offer:
Military-specific grief resources
Community programs and connections
Understanding of unique military widow challenges
Events and retreats
Peer support from other military widows
Best For: Military widows seeking community with others who understand the unique aspects of military loss
Finding What Works for You
Every widow's journey is unique, and what works for one person may not resonate with another. I encourage you to:
Try multiple communities to find the right fit for your personality and needs
Consider both online and in-person options for the most comprehensive support
Be patient with yourself as you navigate these spaces
Participate when ready – it's okay to lurk and read before engaging
Trust your instincts about which communities feel safe and supportive
Remember, seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. These communities exist because connection and understanding are essential parts of the healing process. You don't have to walk this path alone.
