The Soaring Spirits Loss Foundation National Conference on Widowhood will offer people who have lost their spouse an opportunity to celebrate all they have accomplished while looking forward to what they are yet to become. This event will provide a variety of inspiring role models, a hope-filled, supportive environment, and programs focused on giving women and men the tools they need to rebuild their lives after the devastating loss of a spouse. By joining our hearts through the shared experience of loss, and encouraging each other to create a life of purpose and joy—we can change the face of widowhood for generations of women to come. Join us in our quest to truly live the life we are given.
Event Details:
Friday July 17, 2009
- Pre-Conference Workshops: Pre-Conference event will bring together a group of distinguished, experienced, and generous, professionals who will share their expertise on the following topics: Beyond Surviving: Helping and Healing in the Aftermath of Suicide; Interactive Activities: Tools for Helping Grieving Children and Teenagers; The Masculine Side of Healing; What is Normal About Grief Anyway? A Look at Complicated vs. Uncomplicated Adult Grief. Six units of continuing education credit * will be offered to therapists, social workers, counselors, bereavement professionals, clergy, nurses (check with your certifying body for details on particular certifications) by the Visiting Nurse Association of the Inland Counties. You will leave with hands-on tools for assisting the community you work with, and insight into the world of the grieving client. We are proud to offer this opportunity, and certain that these insightful and inspiring speakers will touch your heart. All attendees are welcome to join us. There is an additional fee for this portion of the conference.
*Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, BRN Provider No. CEP 12382
*Provider approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, Continuing Education Provider No. PCE 3384.
- Welcome Reception: This is your opportunity to meet and mingle with other widows as you enjoy light hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. If you are a member of the Widow Match program, this is the perfect time to meet the person you have been corresponding with by e-mail face-to-face. Michele Neff Hernandez will be at the Widow Match table with her own pen pal…come and meet them both!
- Outdoor Benefit Concert: Soaring Spirits Loss Foundation is thrilled to be partnering with the San Diego Symphony to bring you an exciting pairing of the award winning San Diego Symphony and a variety of your Mowtown favorites. Our outdoor veune offers an outdoor picnic setting, food and beverage booths, open seating, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. All proceeds from this evening of musical fellowship will support the Guild of Service, a non-porfit organization dedicated to housing, educating, and empowering the widows of India currently living in Vridavan, the city of widows. Come and enjoy an evening of music, friends, and fun!
Saturday July 18, 2009:
- General Session: Saturday morning will begin with a gathering unlike any you have ever attended. Standing shoulder to shoulder with widows of all ages, creeds, and circumstances we will come together to celebrate our strength, our love, and to discover our passion. Our keynote speaker will be Michele Neff Hernandez, founder of the WidowsBond website, the Widow Match program, and the Soaring Spirits Loss Foundation. Michele will share her insights on the gifts her widowhood has given her through her outreach to widows across the nation. You will head off for your day amazed by the possibilities that lie ahead.
- Morning Break-Outs Sessions: With thirty-two sessions, a variety of presenters, and topics that include: how to keep your husband's memory alive for your children; what the latest information is about estate planning; how to utilize on-line dating sites; a writer's workshop; understanding your teen and how they grieve; ways to discover your passion for life again….and many, many more. There will be a variety of presentations to address the many questions widows face. You choose the sessions that most interest you!
- Conference Sponsors Exhibits: This is your chance to meet the presenters and sponsors, check out some great products, network with other widows, and enjoy a picnic lunch on the lawn of the lovely Marriott hotel.
- Three Day Book Store: The Centering Corporation will be providing a wonderful book store full of resource for both adults and children. All books written by presenters, or recommended in a workshop, will be available for purchase, on-site, at our book store. Come in for amazing resources, a warm, friendly staff, and some great fellowship. Book Store hours will be posted in the conference brochure.
- Afternoon Break-Outs Sessions: Here is your next chance to attend the presentation that most appeals to you. Popular sessions will be repeated in the second time block.
- An Evening of Celebration: Saturday will conclude with a semi-formal, no date required, awards banquet. At this fabulous sit down dinner you will be introduced to some of the wonderful things women are doing in support of their sister widows. A variety of awards will be presented throughout the evening including: The Soaring Spirits Loss Foundation Inspiration Award, The Widowsbond Vision Award, and a variety of surprise speakers, presentations, and fun. Guaranteed to be an evening you will remember.
Sunday July 19, 2009:
- The First Annual Widow Dash 5K Run/Walk: The First Annual Widow Dash 5K Run/Walk: The Grande finale of our weekend will be a 5K run/walk along the beautiful San Diego Marina. Put your shoes on and run, or walk, for YOUR life! Proceeds will provide funds for grants to be distributed through the Soaring Spirits Loss Foundation to women in the United States who find themselves in financial crisis as a result of their husband's death. Come be a part of the fun as we change the face of widowhood one stride at a time!
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