Fatherless and Widows, Inc.

Fatherless and Widows 501(c)(3) Non-Profit VISION: Increasing awareness of the biblical importance of caring for fatherless and widows. MISSION: Creating alliances to effectively care for fatherless and widows in their needs. MOTTO: Honor our Elders SLOGAN: Pray, listen, respond in love History/OUR STORY: The Fatherless and Widows ministry officially incorporated in 2012 and began its operations on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 2014. The origins of the ministry are founded on a Bible verse that states “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction…” James 1:27. This Bible verse has its own roots digging deep into the pages of scripture showing God’s special encouragements and warnings pertaining to the manner in which we treat and care for fatherless and widows. One might think that more Christian ministries around the world would be called “Fatherless and Widows” than any other name because that is the very definition of “pure religion”, with the inclusion of the rest of that verse “…to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” We are aware that there are some widows organizations and orphanages around the country/world, but until the creation of this organization, the founder had never seen one titled “Fatherless and Widows”, a direct name straight out of the pages of the Bible that The Creator Himself labeled as true and undefiled religion - a good religion or practice in life. All through the Bible, fatherless and widows are found together. There are many areas of biblical instruction on how to treat both fatherless and widows and they are almost always found together. This name and ministry remained on the founders’ heart for over a decade until the harvest of 2012, while standing on the Mountain of Blessing in Israel, he felt a release to get this ministry started and did so. The organization’s mission is to serve widows, and also children who do not have an active father figure in their lives. The mission of the ministry is to listen to the needs of the fatherless and widows in our community and respond with practical help that comes from a place in the heart. A priority system is in place. Services may be provided on the basis of need and may be adapted to the needs of the individual. Services for the fatherless may include but are not limited to mentoring, field trips such as career and agricultural tours, educational classes, special events and activities. In addition to educational activities, widows’ services may include anything from a simple phone call or visit on a regular basis to more specific needs like fixing a toilet or helping with an electrical problem. We aspire to have a long list of widows to call prior to an incoming hurricane to help to ensure that their needs are taken care of, i.e., transportation out of town, a place to stay, yard clean up, windows taped/covered, etc.. Following up after hurricanes is also planned for those who may need yard clean up or other necessities. Training people in nursing assistant services with the aim of having approved nursing home visits is planned. We know that the needs of the fatherless are tremendous, and we hope to move forward slowly with guidance. We expect that the doors will continue to open in the process of responding to needs and with volunteers who have creative ideas in how to serve in a fun, positive, and rewarding way.