Hope Gathering, Inc

Hope Gathering's mission is to help widows find hope and healing in Christ-centered communities.

There are approximately 11.8 million widows in the United States, and about one million women are widowed each year. Sadly, most of these widows will lose 75% of their support and friendship network within the first year. One-third of widows are younger than 60 years old, one-half are widowed by age 65, and the average age of a widow in the United States is only 59.

Hope Gathering is a 501(c)3 non-profit Christian organization that desires to come alongside hurting widows, bringing comfort, encouragement, community, hope, and purpose. Hope Gathering does this through the distribution of Hope Boxes, local Hope Gathering Communities, annual Luncheons of Hope and Evenings of Hope, an annual Weekend of Hope retreat, online private Facebook groups, and social media engagement.

We desire for women to see that we are forever marked by our loss, but we are not defined by it. No widow should have to travel this journey of grief alone. We are here to walk together in community, encourage and support one another, and seek God’s purpose for our lives in this season.

Hope Boxes are tangible reminders to widows that someone cares. Each box is filled with meaningful and practical items that are lovingly assembled by widows in our Hope Gathering Communities who understand the journey of grief. These boxes are provided at no cost to the widow due to the generosity of donors. Thousands of Hope Boxes have been distributed to widows in all 50 states and in Canada since Hope Gathering launched nationally in 2020.

Hope Gathering Communities meet across several states and in Canada. During each gathering, women share a meal, a program that pertains to the specific needs of widows, and a devotional. These groups provide a safe space for women to have face to face relationships with other widows who understand the pain of loss and desire to find healing and purpose in their lives. New groups continue to grow and multiply, helping widows find support, encouragement, friendship, and hope in Jesus Christ.

Weekend of Hope is Hope Gathering’s annual retreat hosted in Texas. Through powerful Biblical teaching, meaningful breakout sessions, and heartfelt community, widows from across the United States and Canada have experienced restoration, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose in Jesus Christ.

Throughout the year, widows from Hope Gathering Communities across the United States gather for Luncheons of Hope and Evenings of Hope. These special events provide opportunities for women to experience community, encouragement, and renewed hope alongside others who understand their journey. Together, these gatherings celebrate all that God is doing through Hope Gathering and the healing and hope He is bringing into the lives of widows.

Learn more about Hope Gathering at: www.hopegathering.org