Welcome from the Executive Director

I am a social worker, assistant professor, and researcher at the University of Houston-Downtown. I'm also a young widow.

Losing a life partner at any age can be catastrophic; however, partner losses that occur outside of the expected time can create unique stressors that are unknown to many outside of young widows' circles.

The mission of The Young Widowhood Project is to raise social awareness about the young widowhood experience,  to validate young widows as they navigate their loss and life change, and to support their helpers.

We will do this by sharing the young widow research already present in the literature and by conducting research studies where we find gaps in knowledge.

If you are a widow or widower, I personally know how hard it is to live a wholly altered existence that feels unseen in the social narrative.  My deepest desire is that through this work, you feel less alone. We share our stories with you and for you.

In solidarity,

Liza Barros-Lane, Ph.D., LMSW