Family Friendzy Date is SUNDAY, APRIL 27th! | | |
Don't miss this fun-filled, unique
community fundraiser!
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Female parents received bathrobes, and male parents received blankets—both cozy and meaningful, and embroidered with their name.
Many Family Friends coordinated holiday organizing projects & acts of love for their parent during this season.
| Thank you Donors, Fellowship Church, and Adopt-A-Family Groups! | | |
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We exceeded our $20K holiday match goal, raising an incredible $26,420.62 in November and December! Thanks to a generous family, your donations were matched up to $20K!
Your support empowers our board to confidently implement our Strategic Plan 2025, allowing us to expand and strengthen WPRP’s impact with greater efficiency and effectiveness. Thank you for making this possible!
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Community Partners Offer
Fun For Families! | |
Two RIvers Church offered space to gather to enjoy conversation and pizza before our group headed across the street to Cool Sports Icearium where we enjoyed ice skating together! | |
Farragut High School and talented, CTE teacher, Mrs. Lyndsey Flatford, opened their home economics space and gifts in educating for our families to learn three different techniques in baking cookies! | |
BOARD UPDATES
January 24, 2026, was the annual board meeting. We have welcomed 4 new board members and are so grateful for the service of our board members who completed their service: Secretary, Ellen Vargas, and Director, Jay Ferro
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3 Years of Dedicated Service
Today, we want to take a moment to celebrate and thank the amazing Ellen Vargas for her incredible dedication and hard work over the past three years as Widowed Parent Relief Project’s Board of Director’s Secretary. Ellen has truly been the backbone of our organization—always working tirelessly behind the scenes without seeking recognition, yet making an impact in ways words can hardly express.
From administrative support and helping establish essential policies and procedures to being hands on with WPRP families, Ellen has averaged 20 hours a week for the past three years, offering unwavering support to ensure the success of our mission. Her humility and commitment to service are a gift to us all.
While her official term as a board member ended this month, we’re so grateful that she will continue to remain as a volunteer.
Ellen, we are beyond thankful for all you've done and continue to do. You’ve helped shape this organization, and your impact will be felt for years to come. You are truly one of a kind, and we are so lucky to have you in our community. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! ❤️
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Welcome New Board Members | | |
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Deborah holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a J.D. from the University of Georgia. Licensed to practice law in Georgia and Tennessee, she specialized in education law, dedicating her career to representing school boards in employment and special education matters. After stepping away from her legal practice, Deborah devoted herself to raising her two children and embraced the role of a “professional volunteer” for over 20 years.
Deborah’s greatest joys come from time spent with family and friends, leading in women’s ministry, and enjoying long walks and travels with her husband of 24 years. She is thrilled to support the Widowed Parent Relief Project (WPRP) and help raise awareness of its mission in the community.
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Jason entered retirement in July 2023, and is embracing this new chapter to the fullest. Before retiring, he led worldwide sales (exceeding $20 billion), service, and marketing for Caterpillar Inc.’s Earthmoving, Paving, Excavation, and Load & Haul machinery divisions. As a third-generation Caterpillar employee, Jason built a dynamic career with extensive roles in marketing, sales, product support, project management, and product management. He also served as the Presiding Managing Officer and Director of CSARL.
Now, Jason is channeling his passion and energy into his faith, family, friends, community, and health. Jason “believes strongly in the WPRP mission and vision and feels called to live out James 1:27.” He loves staying active with pickleball, volleyball, water and snow skiing, and hiking, all of which fuel his adventurous spirit in retirement.
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Melissa Mijares, Secretary | |
Melissa has worked in financial services for 12 years and currently serves as a Senior Wealth Advisor at TVAMP in Knoxville. She holds an MBA and is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). Passionate about helping clients achieve financial security, Melissa believes that when finances are in order, individuals can focus on what matters most in their lives.
Melissa, her husband, and their two young children moved to Knoxville in March 2021. She is actively involved in her church and her children’s school and is a member of the Knoxville Association of Women Executives. She also founded An Evening to Replenish, a monthly event at Fox Den Country Club designed to connect and educate women in the community.
With a heart for building meaningful relationships, Melissa finds joy in getting to know people and sharing God’s love. She is honored to support WPRP in its mission to serve widows and orphans and looks forward to helping raise awareness of the organization's impact in the Knoxville community.
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Beth is excited to serve as a Board Member, Family Friend, and bookkeeper with WPRP. Having witnessed her mother navigate widowhood from a young age, she was deeply inspired by scripture’s call to care for widows and orphans, leading her to embrace WPRP’s mission.
Since 2018, Beth has been the Practice Administrator at Rocky Hill Animal Hospital in Knoxville. Her diverse career includes roles as a medical practice office manager, banking officer, and business owner, along with treasured years as a dedicated stay-at-home mother. She holds an MBA from George Mason University and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Frostburg State University.
Active in her church, Beth enjoys serving others, Jazzercise, yoga, and traveling to visit her children and grandchildren. She and her husband, Tim, have three grown children and four grandchildren.
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Beauty For Ashes
Part 1
Written by Londa Hayden
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Isaiah 61:3 – To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they might be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. (KJV)
Grieving the Loss of a Spouse
A Journey of Love, Loss, and Healing
The loss of a spouse is one of the most devastating experiences one can endure. It is a profound journey that intertwines love, loss, and healing in a way that reshapes the very fabric of one's existence. To gain perspective, one must explore the multifaceted nature of grieving the loss of a spouse, offering insights into the emotional, spiritual, psychological, and social dimensions of this experience.
Understanding Grief
Grief is a natural response to the loss of a spouse, which evokes a range of emotions, both intense and conflicting. It is not merely the absence of a loved one, but the disruption of an identity shared and forged over time. The grieving process is unique to everyone, yet it commonly encompasses several stages, as outlined by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
These stages are not linear and can fluctuate, reflecting the unpredictable nature of grief.
Denial
In the initial aftermath of losing a spouse, denial often serves as a protective mechanism. It is a state of shock and disbelief, where the reality of the loss seems inconceivable. During this phase, you may find yourself numb or detached, struggling to process the enormity of such a loss. Denial cushions the blow, allowing the grieving person to gradually come to terms with their new reality.
Anger
As the shock begins to wear off, anger often emerges. This anger can be directed at anyone or anything, including the deceased spouse, oneself, or even the universe. Being angry with God is completely understandable. It’s okay to scream at God. He can handle it. He made you. He knows you. Your faith is essential and if it takes a scream-fest with Jesus then by all means do. It is a natural response to have the feelings of helplessness and injustice that accompany such a profound loss. Understanding that anger is a part of the healing process and can help you navigate this tumultuous phase more compassionately.
Bargaining
Bargaining is characterized by a desperate attempt to reverse or mitigate the loss. You may find yourself making deals with God or ruminating on "what if" scenarios. This stage often reflects the yearning to regain a sense of control in a situation that feels overwhelmingly uncontrollable. It is a poignant reminder of the deep love and connection that still exists.
Depression
Depression is a profound and often prolonged stage of grief. It is marked by deep sadness, loneliness, and a sense of emptiness. The reality of the loss sets in, and you may struggle with the weight of grief. It is essential during this phase to seek support from loved ones, counselors, or support groups. Depression can be isolating but knowing that it is a shared human experience can provide some solace.
Acceptance
Acceptance does not signify the end of grief but rather a shift in perspective. It is the stage where individuals begin to find ways to live with the loss. Acceptance allows for the integration of the loss into one's life, acknowledging the pain while also finding ways to move forward. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love.
Beauty for Ashes (Part 2) continues in next month’s newsletter.
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We have widowed parents and children who are struggling with their mental health right now.
We are asking for increased prayer at this time.
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Widowed Parent Relief Project (WPRP)
WPRP is a U.S. tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization: 87-2784749
E-mail us at support@wprp.org or visit us on the web at www.wprp.org
PO BOX 22545, Knoxville, TN 37933
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