Putting the Pieces Together
Amid our ongoing fundraising efforts, a poignant question often arises: What sets the Paisley Project apart from other widow-support groups? The answer lies in the very fabric of our approach—a tapestry woven with compassion, understanding, and a commitment to creating a space where hope thrives.
A Memory of Connection Reflecting on what makes us unique, I’m reminded of a quiet evening in our home in Carmel Valley , where my husband and I welcomed a group of widows to our L.I.V.E. Intensive Gathering. The event spanned five days, filled with nature hikes, beach visits, creative art sessions, and cozy conversations by the fireplace. These women, ranging in age from 28 to 62, had faced the unimaginable loss of their spouses through various tragedies. Despite their diverse backgrounds, they shared a common quest for connection, support, and hope.
Among them were a few women who, by their quiet natures, spent much of their time observing. They engaged in activities and listened to others’ stories, yet they held her own narratives close.
One night, as the embers glowed softly in the fireplace and the house settled into silence, these women happened to gather around a jigsaw puzzle. It was there, in the tranquility of that moment, that they began to share their stories. As they fitted each puzzle piece in place, their words unfolded their tales of loss. At the exact right time, these stories were told and heard, and a bond was formed in those early hours. The pieces fell into place.
It’s a familiar scene, one we witness in nearly every L.I.V.E. Intensive. Not all who grieve are ready to voice their pain in the traditional settings of support groups. Widows know when they are ready to share. Grief, after all, follows its own timeline. We work to create the network within which loss can be shared.
The Essence of the Paisley Project This is our essence: a community that offers a sanctuary for those who seek a more personal, intimate form of support. Our gatherings are designed to foster deep connections, providing a setting where friendships can blossom and healing can commence. This is where the life-changing magic happens.
Our Founder’s Vision Karyl McKendry, our founder, captures the core of our mission:
"Widows are often operating out of fear. There’s the fear of the unknown as well as the fear of what you know is ahead. There is fear in knowing how to move forward because everything seems daunting and scary. Even the things you did before seem hard because you are now doing them alone.
Paisley Project’s greatest contribution is offering hope for those women who didn’t believe that life could ever be as good as it was before.
And I now know that it can.
We’ve honed specific tools that nurture and cultivate this hope.
Accessibility and Empowerment We believe in making support accessible to everyone. While some services may seem free, they often depend on hidden funding. The Paisley Project ensures that our services, from professional coaching to therapeutic retreats, are available at no cost or at a subsidized rate, all made possible by the generosity of our donors.
The L.I.V.E. Framework Our L.I.V.E. framework—Loss, Identity, Vision, Engagement—is a roadmap for empowerment, supported by evidence-based modalities like nature therapy, physical healing practices, therapeutic art and writing exercises, and professional coaching. These are integrated into our programming to address the complex facets of healing.
Changing the Narrative We’re dedicated to changing the narrative around grief, developing resources for supporters of widows to alleviate their isolation and foster a more compassionate environment.
We invite you to join us in our mission to uplift and empower widows across the nation. Your support is the cornerstone of our work, enabling us to make a real difference in the lives of those we serve. Please sign up for our newsletter, follow us on Instagram or Facebook, donate whatever you can, and share our website with people you think could benefit. Together, we can redefine the experience of widowhood as one of growth, connection, and renewed hope.