Our Beginning
Mildred Young-Stombaugh, First WPS Coordinator 1977
With the idea that widowhood affects anyone who loses a spouse, the National American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) concluded an organization was needed to assist widowed individual of all ages. As a result, the Widowed Persons Service (WPS) was organized in communities across the nation.
Together with AARP, local Richmond, Indiana city officials, religious leaders, and community supporters formed an interest of implementing a widowed persons service to reflect the needs for the Richmond area and surrounding communities. The main idea was to have widowed men and women offer support and assistance to other widowed people in a non threatening and friendly environment.
Mrs. Mildred Young-Stombaugh was selected as the first Richmond area WPS coordinator in 1977. Working from her home, Mildred formed a WPS Board of Directors. Volunteers were trained to initiate the WPS program. Support groups were organized, and widowed individuals were extensively trained to offer one-on-one support to widowed men and women.
Since its inception in 1977, the local Widowed Persons Service has assisted hundreds of widowed persons through support groups, educational programs, social interaction, and fellowship. Because of the perseverance of Mildred Young-Stombaugh and her team of volunteers and supporters, the Richmond area Widowed Persons Service remains the second oldest established WPS organization in the nation- second only to Washington D.C.
The local Widowed Persons Service is grateful to the Richmond Park Department, supporters of the past Jerry Lawrence Memorial Golf Tournament, memorial and bequeath gifts, and contributions from corporate and caring individuals who understand the importance of Widowed Persons Service. Regardless how large or how small the contribution may seem, WPS could not exist without the generosity and support of each person or volunteer who contributes to such a worthwhile organization.
For information how you can make a memorial contribution or financial gift to Widowed Persons Service in memory of a loved one or special person, please contact the WPS office at (765) 983-7307. Someone will gladly assist you.
Note: All financial gifts, memorial contributions, and other bequeaths which are designated to the local Richmond Widowed Persons Service will remain solely for use by the Richmond WPS unless otherwise indicated by the donor.
Together with AARP, local Richmond, Indiana city officials, religious leaders, and community supporters formed an interest of implementing a widowed persons service to reflect the needs for the Richmond area and surrounding communities. The main idea was to have widowed men and women offer support and assistance to other widowed people in a non threatening and friendly environment.
Mrs. Mildred Young-Stombaugh was selected as the first Richmond area WPS coordinator in 1977. Working from her home, Mildred formed a WPS Board of Directors. Volunteers were trained to initiate the WPS program. Support groups were organized, and widowed individuals were extensively trained to offer one-on-one support to widowed men and women.
Since its inception in 1977, the local Widowed Persons Service has assisted hundreds of widowed persons through support groups, educational programs, social interaction, and fellowship. Because of the perseverance of Mildred Young-Stombaugh and her team of volunteers and supporters, the Richmond area Widowed Persons Service remains the second oldest established WPS organization in the nation- second only to Washington D.C.
The local Widowed Persons Service is grateful to the Richmond Park Department, supporters of the past Jerry Lawrence Memorial Golf Tournament, memorial and bequeath gifts, and contributions from corporate and caring individuals who understand the importance of Widowed Persons Service. Regardless how large or how small the contribution may seem, WPS could not exist without the generosity and support of each person or volunteer who contributes to such a worthwhile organization.
For information how you can make a memorial contribution or financial gift to Widowed Persons Service in memory of a loved one or special person, please contact the WPS office at (765) 983-7307. Someone will gladly assist you.
Note: All financial gifts, memorial contributions, and other bequeaths which are designated to the local Richmond Widowed Persons Service will remain solely for use by the Richmond WPS unless otherwise indicated by the donor.