July 2026

"But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed, you may also rejoice exultantly."

1 Peter 4:13

For Widowed Parents: Join Our Virtual Event

AUGUST 17th

Click Here to RSVP or Join Parent Connect

We have 8 children covered so far!

DONATE TODAY

We are thrilled!

Fresh Start Home Project Knoxville has chosen one of our WPRP moms as their first recipient.

If you are able to volunteer at her home in Farragut, TN, on SATURDAY, August 1st, or make a contribution to the project, you would bless a very special family and a teacher in the community who has given to so many.

Check out the Details Here

We have 3 parents waiting for a Family Friend

Family Friend Application

Introducing Board Officers & New Directors

Growing Stronger for the Families We Serve

This year marks an exciting milestone for WPRP as we adopt a governance structure that separates the roles of Executive Director and Board President, strengthening our organization for the future. We are pleased to introduce newly added dedicated leaders who will help guide WPRP through its next chapter of growth.

President

Jason Conklin

Jason Conklin brings decades of executive leadership, strategic management and sales experience to WPRP as Board President. After a distinguished career and retiring from Caterpillar Inc., he now dedicates his time to serving his faith, family, and community. Passionate about WPRP's mission, Jason is committed to leading the organization with integrity, wisdom, and a heart for serving widowed families. And yes, Jason is the captain of the 2026 Family Friendzy Champions, Conklin's Crew.

Vice President

C.J. Orrico

C.J. Orrico brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, and strategic growth to his role as Vice President of the WPRP Board of Directors. His passion for serving widowed parents deepened after Kelly miraculously survived a massive stroke, giving him profound insight to what his family's future could have looked like. Today, C.J. is committed to helping WPRP grow through strategic leadership and faithful stewardship so more widowed families can find hope and lasting support.

Treasurer

George Steinbarger

After witnessing the impact of WPRP’s Family Friendzy, George Steinbarger felt called to support WPRP's mission and families. His financial expertise and background in accounting, finance, corporate strategy, and mergers and acquisitions help strengthen WPRP’s ability to grow and serve widowed families. George is the proud father of three. He enjoys spending time on the water, golf course, and with his family. His faith is central to his life and guides his commitment to serving others.

Board Director

David Luhn

David Luhn is a Knoxville attorney whose practice focuses on estate planning, business and corporate law, probate, wills, and tax law. His work has given him a deep understanding of the legal and financial challenges many widowed families face. David is honored to serve on WPRP's Board of Directors and support its mission of providing hope and practical care to widowed parents and their children.

Board Director

Ryan Allman

Ryan Allman is a growth marketing consultant based in Knoxville and has volunteered for WPRP since our launch. Throughout his career, he has helped organizations sharpen their voice, grow their reach, and connect more meaningfully with the people they serve. Ryan lives in the Knoxville area with his wife Ashleigh and their three boys. His faith is central to work and family life, and it's what drew him to WPRP's calling to care for widows and orphans.

My Dearest Readers,

I have been inspired watching WPRP grow, reaching more families and providing more resources than ever before through God's work.

Below is a 10-minute talk given by my amazing brother, Jim Wall, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, to the employees of a large company. In it, he shares about his experience of "the fire that saved him" and how this pertains to all of us.

As I listened, I couldn't help but think of the widowed families walking through fires of their own. It also reminded me how grateful I am for the parents who have found hope, encouragement, and community through WPRP. Our Parent Connect online network is increasing, providing a safe space for parents to talk about hard topics and find resources relevant to them. I am grateful to the men and women who have joined Parent Connect and generously encourage fellow widowed parents by sharing their experiences, support, and words of hope.

If you know a widowed parent, please encourage them to join our free Parent Connect community. There, they can access valuable resources, connect with others who truly understand, be reminded that they do not have to walk this journey alone, AND support others.

Many of you reading this may be facing a fire of your own. My prayer is that Jim's message fills you with the same hope, courage, and perspective it has given so many others.

God bless you, and please know our WPRP family prays for you!

With much love,

Kelly Orrico | Executive Director

Widowed Parent Relief Project

O: 865.888.7274

kelly@wprp.org